Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is no longer pumping blood as well as it should. The heart may have become weak due to conditions such as clogged arteries or high blood pressure. Perhaps either you or your aging loved one’s senior home care provider has noticed some new symptoms he is exhibiting that may be linked to congestive heart failure.
You should always visit your loved one’s doctor when new symptoms are present, or previous symptoms get worse. If you are noticing several of these symptoms now affecting your loved one’s quality of life, place a call or schedule a visit to your family physician sooner than later.
- Shortness of breath when your loved one exerts himself or when he lies down
If your loved one is complaining about not being able to catch his breath or you see him struggling to breathe after physical activity, it could be a symptom of several simple things (such as being out of shape) or it could be more serious such as congestive heart failure. - Swelling (edema) in his legs, ankles, and feet
Edema is caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. Although congestive heart failure can cause edema in any part of your loved one’s body, you may notice it more in his hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs. If you have noticed that your loved one is having trouble putting shoes on, or if his fingers look puffy, it could be edema. - Fatigue and weakness
With the heart not being able to pump its blood as quickly as before, your aging loved one may find he is getting much more tired out than he used to. He may also find it difficult to complete tasks that require muscle strength, such as getting up from squatting or carrying up the laundry from the basement. - Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Ask your loved one to let you (or his senior home care provider) know if he feels his heart has been beating extremely hard and fast, or irregularly. - Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
If your loved one is having a hard time holding a conversation or even staying awake for one, congestive heart failure could be the cause. - Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
Like many symptoms, this can be a symptom of numerous health issues. If your loved one is struggling with a persistent cough, always get it checked out right away. - Increased need to urinate at night
Many older individuals notice a need to urinate more often at night, but if he’s noticing this change along with others, have him share this symptom with his doctor as well when you visit.
There are medications and treatments your loved one can use to help treat his congestive heart failure. The sooner you get him in and get it diagnosed, the more quickly it can be treated, and the symptoms can be managed.
Source
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure
