Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (Cont.)

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure: Swelling and Weight Gain

The swelling that can occur with congestive heart failure is a result of the buildup of fluid in your body (this is called edema). Other signs of fluid buildup are:
 
  • Weight gain
  • Frequent urination.
     

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure: Limitations on Physical Activity

Doctors also classify your symptoms of congestive heart failure based on how much they limit your daily activity. The classes of symptoms include:
 
  • Class 1: No limits -- ordinary physical activity does not cause undue tiredness or shortness of breath.
     
  • Class 2: Slight or mild limits -- comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in tiredness or shortness of breath.
     
  • Class 3: Marked or noticeable limits -- comfortable at rest, but less-than-ordinary physical activity causes tiredness or shortness of breath.
     
  • Class 4: Severe limits -- unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of congestive heart failure are also present at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort increases.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD