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Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Possible early symptoms:

  • shortness of breath - principle symptom
  • exercise dyspnoea
  • tachypnoea
  • cough
  • orthopnoea
  • paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea

Later symptoms include:

  • a cough with foaming, bright red sputum
  • cyanosis
  • extreme dyspnoea

On examination:

  • breathing may be laboured and wheezing or rapid and panting. There may be a fine rattling sound audible
  • Cheyne stokes respiration may be present in severe cases
  • jugular venous pressure is usually elevated
  • basal crepitations on auscultation may be heard
  • heart sounds - triple or gallop rhythm
  • a pleural effusion may also be present - in patients with chronic heart failure

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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