Q. first and most obvious clues of congestive heart failure?

Question

nurse and doc says it have it. i don't trust the medical industry. i want the word from some real blokes who know what they have experienced. not bookish lab rats who are clearly repulsed by the likes of me -- a plain fisherman.

Answer 1

CCF clues:
1) Pedal edema (swelling of legs).
2)Shortness of breath.
3)The shoes and clothes become tight.
4)Ripping sensation/pain of foot and body.
5)Scanty micturation.
6)In advance stage of disease:
a) Cough
b)Fullness of chest.
c)Wakes up at night due to accumulation of fluid in lungs.
d) Comfortable sleep while sleeping in semi prone position, with 2 to 3 pillows behind the back.
e)increase in heart rate during night.
f)wheezing+crepts sound from lungs, due to bilateral pulmonary congestion.
Hope answered your question.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I'm sure you are pretty shocked by this diagnosis.

The diagnosis of heart failure is typically made based upon your measured ejection fraction. So if you have had an echocardiogram, they should know your ejection fraction, and approximately how severe the heart failure happens to be.

You should know that echocardiograms can be somewhat inaccurate in measuring EF (say +/- 10%, depending upon who is reading it). However, a weak heart is somewhat unmistakable.

As to symptoms, it could range from none to a whole series of maladies. The most common early symptoms appear to be fatigue and a difficulty keeping up with your peers. Shortness of breath (usually from fluid in the lungs), swelling in the legs (again, extra fluid, but in a different place), dizzyness, and a host of kidney-related problems can be involved. (Once your heart weakens, other internal organs suffer.)

I believe that a healthy distrust of the medical establishment is very much called for. Keep a list of questions and make sure they answer them all to your satisfaction!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Congestive heart failure has the following 3 major symptoms:


Exercise intolerance


A person may be unable to tolerate exercise or even mild physical exertion that he or she may have been able to do in the past. The body needs oxygen and other nutrients during physical activity. A failing heart cannot pump enough blood to provide these nutrients to the body.


The ability to exercise, even to walk at a normal pace, may be limited by feeling tired (fatigue) and having shortness of breath.


Ordinary activities, walking up stairs walking about the house, gardening, may be difficult or impossible. A Heavy Sex sessuion is defenitly out, it would possible kill you.

The shortness of breath that accompanies these activities usually gets better with rest.


Shortness of breath


If a person has CHF, he or she may have difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially when he or she is active.


When CHF worsens, fluid backs up into the lungs and interferes with oxygen getting into the blood, causing dyspnea at rest and at night (orthopnea).


If a person has CHF, he or she may awaken at night short of breath and have to sit or stand up to get relief. This is called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Iam part of the medical profession but in Sports Medicine and have worked with CHF in rehabilitation of Heart Attack patients.

Answer 5

My husbands first symptom was a cough that would not go away. He went to the doctor who checked him over sent him to the hospital. His symptoms throughout were, breathlessness, swelling of the feet and legs, and fatigue. He also got many others but that was due to going into renal faliure (kidney packed in a few times)
I don't want to sound like i am lecturing you, but if the doctors say you have it, then listen to them and please be consistant with your meds if you need them. My husband refused to believe he was ill, (he was very healthy and active at the time of diagnosis and thought they made a mistake and didn't understand how careful he needed to be) and because he didn't really feel that ill, he just acted as though he was fine. He was very forgetful with his meds and check up's until he took really ill and eneded up in intensive care. The doctors sat and chatted to him and really made him see how serious it was. He listened and started to make drastic changes to his lifestyle. My husband had a heart transplant 2 years ago as he had less than 8% of his hearts function and that was his only chance of survival.
I dont want to scare you or tell horror stories, but please, for your sake, listen to your consulants and take their advice. They know what they are talking about, and even if you dont have symptoms yet, they will come. It is just a case of trying to delay them as much as possible. It is serious, so please please look after yourself and take their advice and others who have been there.
Good luck.

Answer 6

Shortness of breath
Trouble sleeping laying flat
swelling in the legs
Swollen belly
decrease in ability to perform physical activity

The first clues will vary with the cause of the heart failure and the type of heart failure (yes there is more than one type).

Answer 7

Ok you dont trust the medical industry, but you will listen to one of the blokes, on YA, well my suggestion is to go see a Phychiatrist, and get back to your Doctor!.
But I dont think its about that either, I think you are trying to show that you don't fear a life threatening situation.
Most everyone will tell you the symptoms, so now what?. Are you well now?, do you feel better? good I am glad!.

Answer 8

I think you will find this site interesting. There is a fellow who's wife has CHF and he posts once and a while. She / they set up the site with some assistance from a doctor.


I have CHF, 22% LV EF.

Answer 9

PMSL Goldspinner you have so many personalities I cant keep up!

Yesterday you worked in the hospital, you must have some inside information.

Amnyway, obvious clues
1. swollen legs and feet
2. difficulty breathing due to fluid build up in chest area

3. not doing anymore because I dont believe you are serious!!!!

Answer 10

Shortness of breath and a persistant cough.

Was down to 35% of effective use before MVP surgery last february.