At first this may happen only during physical activity, and then later it can happen when you lie down. You may find it necessary to sleep with several pillows. If the lungs become very congested, there may be bubbling sounds and pain in your chest. You may have a persistent cough and bring up pinkish mucus. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is a dangerous condition and requires prompt treatment by a physician.
Pneumonia is a common complication when fluid buildup has occurred.
In right-sided heart failure there is usually edema , or swelling, of the feet , ankles, or legs. There may be pain in the lower part of the back or the abdomen due to swelling of the liver or other internal organs. Fluid buildup often results in sudden weight gain. The kidneys may have difficulty in handling the accumulation of fluid and salt, and kidney failure may occur. In congestive heart failure both sets of symptoms occur together.