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Sudden Heart Failure

Sudden heart failure causes rapid fluid buildup, or congestion, in the lungs and other parts of the body. It occurs when the heart does not pump as much blood as the body needs.

Symptoms develop suddenly and include:

  • Severe shortness of breath.
  • An irregular or rapid heartbeat.
  • Coughing up foamy, pink mucus.

Sudden heart failure is an emergency medical situation and requires immediate care.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Last Revised August 5, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 05, 2010
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