Symptoms

The symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person. They may start suddenly or develop gradually overweeks or months.

Main symptoms

The most commonsymptoms of heart failure are:

• breathlessness this may occur after activity or at rest; it may be worse when you're lying down, andyou may wake up at night needing to catch your breath
• fatigue you may feel tiredmost ofthe time and find exercise exhausting
• swollen ankles and legs this is caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema); it may bebetter in the morning and get worse later in the day

Less common symptoms

Other symptoms of heart failure can include:

• apersistentcough, which may be worse at night
• wheezing
• a bloated tummy
• loss ofappetite
• weight gain orweightloss
• confusion
• dizzinessand fainting
• a fast heart rate
• a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Some people with heart failure may also experience feelings of depressionand anxiety.

When to get medical advice

See your GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure.

The symptoms can be caused by other, less serious conditions,so it's a good idea to get them checked out.

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Call 999 for an ambulance or go toyour nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms.

This is a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment in hospital.