What are the earliest congestive heart failure symptoms?

Early symptoms include mild breathlessness during activity, fatigue, and slight swelling of the ankles.

How do heart failure symptoms evolve over time?

As heart failure progresses, the symptoms typically shift from breathlessness during physical activity to experiencing them even when at rest.

What are the four stages of congestive heart failure?

The stages encompass a spectrum, starting with being at risk but symptom-free and culminating in advanced disease characterised by persistent symptoms, even with treatment.

What are the symptoms of end-stage heart failure?

End-stage symptoms encompass breathlessness while resting, debilitating fatigue, frequent hospital stays, and a diminished appetite.

When should symptoms warrant a specialist’s evaluation?

Any new, worsening, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a specialised cardiac team, like Heart Valve Experts (HVE) in Mumbai, to determine the underlying cause and inform the best course of treatment.