Other diseases can present with some of the same symptoms as congestive heart failure, as this brief paragraph explains. Well-Connected A number of other conditions may produce symptoms suggestive of heart failure. Shortness of breath is seen in asthma, certain allergic reactions, near-drowning, pneumonia, inhalation of toxic substances or smoke, high altitude sickness, and emphysema. Some patients with angina may interpret the chest tightness associated with this syndrome as shortness of breath.
Swollen ankles can result from varicose veins or phlebitis.
Liver or kidney failure also causes fluid retention. Congestive Heart Failure . All rights reserved.