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Symptoms of heart failure depend on the type of heart failure you have and how serious it is. If you have mild heart failure, you may not notice any symptoms except during hard physical work. Symptoms can depend on whether you have left-sided or right-sided heart failure. However, you can have symptoms of both types. Symptoms usually get worse as your heart grows weaker.
Heart failure can lead to serious and life-threatening complications.
One of the first symptoms you may notice is feeling short of breath after routine activities like climbing stairs. As your heart grows weaker, you may notice this while getting dressed or walking across the room. Some people have shortness of breath while lying flat.
In addition, people who have left-sided heart failure may have the following symptoms.
Older adults who do not get much physical activity may not experience shortness of breath. But they may feel tired and confused.
People who have right-sided heart failure may also have the following symptoms:
Heart failure can cause the following serious complications: