Congestion
- Cough caused by backup of blood and fluid into the lungs
- Usually a dry cough with no phlegm
- A wet cough with pink, frothy
- Fluid caused by a more severe
- Wheezing caused by asthma
Abdominal Bloating
- Caused by backup of blood and fluid into different parts of the abdominal cavity
- Fluid backup in liver makes abdomen become swollen
- Fluid backup in stomach leads to loss of appetite, nausea and bloating
- Fluid backup in intestines causes loss of appetite and makes it harder to absorb medicines and food
- An infection in the fluid buildup shows signs of fever, abdominal cavity ascites and tenderness
Poor Blood Circulation
- Less frequent urination: may urinate less due to poor blood circulation to kidneys
- Feeling cold in arms, legs, hands, and feet: due to poor blood circulation to these areas. This is a way that your body compensates for the failing heart that cannot pump enough blood to the whole body. If you experience coldness in the extremities, edema, mental confusion, and decreased urine, you must seek medical help immediately because it means you’re going into shock.
- Lightheadedness: feeling dizzy and disoriented due to poor blood circulation to brain
- Mental confusion: unable to think clearly and have difficulties in remembering things and understanding language due to poor blood circulation to brain
- Fainting or passing out: sudden loss of consciousness due to poor blood circulation in brain
- Impotence: unable to erect due to poor blood circulation to male genitals. The buildup of plaque or atherosclerosis causes men with heart failure to not able to achieve an erection.