Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
Important Information
Heart failure (HF) happens when the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body which causes swelling and makes breathing difficult.
Symptoms of heart failure may include:
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Poor feeding
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Poor weight gain
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Increased tiredness or decreased activity
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Decreased urine output (for infants, fewer wet diapers each day)
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Restlessness or irritability
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Bluish gray color around the mouth, lips, nail, or eyes
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Breathing harder or faster
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Cough
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Swelling or puffiness around the eyes, hands, feet, or genitals
Instructions for caring for your child with heart failure at home
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You know your child best! It is important to know how your child usually looks and behaves. Call the Cardiac Center if your child has new or worsening symptoms, or if you have any concerns.
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Your child may need extra rest for a few weeks after discharge.
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Avoid contact with people with colds, COVID, or the flu. The best way to prevent getting sick is regular handwashing.
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Your child can return to school when their cardiologist says it is ok.
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Because your child has a heart condition, they may require antibiotics before dental work, including regular cleanings. This is to prevent an infection of the heart that your child may be at risk for because of HF. Let your cardiologist or primary care provider know when your child is scheduled for dental care so they can order antibiotics.
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Cardiac Prep and Recovery Unit/CPRU: (267) 425-6400, Monday - Friday 8:00AM -5:00 PM
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Outpatient Cardiology Clinic: (215) 590-4040, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Voorhees Cardiology office: (856) 783-0287, phone hours 24 hours a day for VNJ patients
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Weekdays after 5:00 PM, weekends, and on holidays please call the Main Hospital operator at (215) 590-1000 and ask to page the cardiology fellow on call.
Reviewed 9/10/2024 by David Goldberg, MD and Natalie Bernard, MHL, BSN, RN