Question:

Can a person have congestive heart failure with only slight cough and shortness of breath?

Can a person have congestive heart failure if symptoms are consistent with a slight cough once in awhile (unproductive), and shortness of breath while talking and with activity? I do not have swelling or weight gain

Submitted by Carl from Ohio

It is possible to have congestive heart failure with minor or no symptoms. Heart function (i.e., the presence or absence of congestive heart failure) is easily determined by an ultrasound of the heart which a primary care physician can obtain.