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Page: Signs and Symptoms
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Left Heart Failure: Symptoms of decompensated heart failure include dyspnea (shortness of breath) on exertion, orthopnea (dyspnea that increases upon lying down), fatigue and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ("cardiac asthma", shortness of breath that occurs hours or minutes after lying down), nocturnal cough, confusion and memory impairment (in advanced stages), and diaphoresis and cool extremities at rest.
Signs of decompensated left heart failure include: Displaced apex beat (usually to left due to cardiomegaly), Pathologic S3 Gallop, S4, crackles at the lung bases due to pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), dullness to percussion and tactile fremitus of lower lung fields. Increased intensity of pulmonic component of 2nd heart sound.
Right Heart Failure: Symptoms and Signs include: Peripheral edema (fluid build-up in dependent portions of the body), ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity), nocturia (due to increased venous return with leg elevation), Jugular venous distention, Epistaxis (due to an increase in venous pressure), Hepatomegaly, hepatojugular reflux, and right ventricular heave.
Individuals with heart failure are sensitive to small shifts in their intravascular volume status (the amount of fluid in their circulatory system). Increasing the volume in their circulatory system can cause symptoms and signs of decompensated heart failure, while decreasing the volume in the circulatory system can cause hypotension.
Chest X-rays (CXRs) are frequently used to aid in the diagnosis of CHF. Signs of CHF on CXR are[2]:
* Vascular redistribution
* Peribronchial cuffing/interstitial edema (bat-shaped)
* Kerley B lines
* Consolidation of lower lung fields
* Cardiomegaly
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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