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Cardiovascular conditions

What are the common symptoms of heart failure?

Lead Clinical Reviewer: Dr Tsui

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Published in the Clinical Evidence Hub. Last updated: 25 June 2026.

Answer

Common symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness after activity or at rest, tiredness or exercise intolerance, lightheadedness or fainting, and swelling of the ankles or legs.

Other possible symptoms include persistent cough, fast heart rate, and dizziness. Symptoms may appear quickly in acute heart failure or develop more gradually over weeks or months in chronic heart failure.

Persistent or gradually worsening symptoms should prompt GP assessment. Sudden or very severe symptoms require urgent assessment via emergency services or A&E. Initial evaluation can include blood tests, ECG, and echocardiography, with management guided by the underlying cause and type of heart failure.

References

  1. NHS. Heart failure. Page last reviewed 19 May 2022.
  2. NICE guideline NG106. Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management. Last updated 03 September 2025.
  3. NHS. Echocardiogram. Page last reviewed 26 February 2026.
  4. NHS. Electrocardiogram (ECG). Page last reviewed 09 November 2023.