Definition: Inability of the heart to pump blood effectively → fluid buildup
Key symptoms:
– Shortness of breath (especially on exertion or lying flat)
– Fatigue and weakness
– Swelling (edema) in ankles, feet, or abdomen
– Rapid weight gain (fluid retention)
– Persistent cough or wheezing (sometimes frothy sputum)
Warning signs of acute decompensation:
– Sudden severe breathlessness at rest
– Orthopnea (needs multiple pillows to breathe)
– Nocturnal dyspnea (wakes up breathless at night)
