Many people with heart failure are not aware that they have the condition, as some of the most common symptoms are often mistaken for normal signs of aging. Some general symptoms of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent coughing
• Increased heart rate or “racing” heart beats
• Fatigue/weakness
• Swollen ankles, legs, abdomen and/or lower back
• Loss of appetite, nausea and/or bloating
• Weight gain
• Inability to lie flat at night

Many people with heart failure may try to avoid symptoms by "taking it easy” or by avoiding certain activities.

But if heart failure is left untreated, the heart becomes even weaker and the condition may worsen.

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