The most common sign of congestive heart failure is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, caused by fluid in the lungs, can occur during exercise or when resting. Sometimes shortness of breath comes on suddenly at night. Sometimes the person will cough up pinkish, blood-tinged phlegm. Another sign of congestive heart failure is the buildup of excess fluid in the body's tissues, causing edema of the legs and sometimes of the abdomen.
Weight gain can result.
Other symptoms can include tiredness and weakness. Treatments for congestive heart failure will vary with the severity and cause of the failure, but treatment is geared to the reduction of symptoms - fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. One of the most important aspects of treatment is adherence to a low-sodium diet. This will help diminish fluid retention and will decrease the heart's work. It is extremely important that people with congestive heart failure weigh themselves every morning to assess the retention of fluid in their body.