context: When you have this condition your heart works less efficiently. When that happens, it can't pump enough blood that you need. The chambers of your heart can respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump. This helps to keep the blood moving, but in time, your heart muscle walls may weaken and won't be able to pump as strongly. Your kidneys may react to all this by causing your body to hold on to fluid and salt. The fluid may build up in your arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs. They may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can include things like: Congested lungs. Fluid backup in your lungs can make you short of breath when you exercise or have trouble breathing while you rest. Air is often harder to get when you're lying flat in bed. You may also wheeze or get a dry, hacking cough. Fluid and water buildup. Less blood to your kidneys causes you to hang on to fluid. That means your ankles, legs, and belly may swell. You may hear your doctor call that swelling edema. The extra fluid can also make you gain weight, and you may need to pee more during the night. It may also cause bloating, which can make you nauseated and less hungry. Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can bring dizziness or confusion. Rapid or irregular heartbeats. This happens because your heart beats faster to pump enough blood. If you have heart failure, you may have one or all of these symptoms, or you may have none of them. Your symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is. A lot depends on how well your heart is working, your symptoms, and how well you follow and respond to your treatment plan. With the right care, heart failure may not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Some common types are: ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) Aldosterone antagonists ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) ARNIs (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors) Beta-blockers Blood vessel dilators Digoxin Calcium channel blockers Diuretics Heart pump medications Potassium or magnesium Selective sinus node inhibitors It's a program to help you exercise safely and keep up a heart-healthy lifestyle. It usually includes workouts that are designed just for you, education, and tips to lower your chance of heart trouble, like quitting smoking or changing your diet. Cardiac rehab also offers emotional support. You can meet others like you who can help you stay on track. If you have heart failure, you should have no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt every day. If you have anything unusual, don't wait until your next appointment to discuss it with your doctor. Call him right away if you have: Unexplained weight gain -- 2 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, or belly that gets worse Shortness of breath that gets worse or happens more often, especially if you wake up feeling that way Bloating with a loss of appetite or nausea Extreme fatigue or more trouble finishing your daily activities A lung infection or a cough that gets worse Fast heart rate (above 100 beats per minute, or a rate noted by your doctor) New irregular heartbeat Chest pain or discomfort during activity that gets better if you rest Trouble breathing during regular activities or at rest Changes in how you sleep,like having a hard time sleeping or feeling the need to sleep a lot more than usual Less of a need to pee Restlessness, confusion Constant dizziness or light-headedness Nausea or poor appetite Go to your local emergency room or call 911 if you have: New, unexplained, and severe chest pain that comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or weakness Fast heart rate (more than 120-150 beats per minute, or a rate noted by your doctor) -- especially if you are short of breath Shortness of breath that doesn't get better if you rest Sudden weakness, or you can't move your arms or legs Sudden, severe headache Fainting spells