5 Early Symptoms of Heart Failure.br According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.br Keep an eye out for these br 5 early signs of heart failure.br 1. Shortness br of breath, This can indicate the br backing up of blood br in the lungs.br 2. Coughing, An excess of fluid br in the lungs may br cause coughing fits.br 3. Swelling, Your kidneys may not be br getting enough blood flow br to function properly.br 4. Fast heartbeat, This could mean that br your heart isn't getting br enough blood.br 5.