Final answer:
In addition to dyspnea and fatigue, heart failure symptoms include edema, persistent cough or wheezing, increased heart rate, decreased exercise ability, swelling of the abdomen, and nausea or lack of appetite.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aside from dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and fatigue, six additional symptoms of heart failure include:
- Edema, particularly in the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen, resulting from fluid retention.
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or palpitations.
- Decreased ability to exercise or physical activity intolerance.
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) due to fluid accumulation.
- Nausea or lack of appetite, which can be a consequence of digestive system congestion.
These symptoms can arise from the impaired pumping action of the heart, as tissues do not receive adequate oxygen, and can lead to progressive organ dysfunction, such as kidney failure, if left untreated.
Additionally, certain symptoms might be more prevalent in specific populations, such as breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, and skin pallor in women of childbearing age.