What does CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA) mean? Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) The Central Intelligence Agency is one of the principal intelligence-gathering agencies of the United States federal government. An executive agency, it reports to the Director of National Intelligence.
If heart failure progresses, the apnea may be so acute that a person, unable to breathe, may awaken from sleep in panic. Diagnosis. Doctors can often make a preliminary diagnosis of heart failure by medical history and careful physical examination. A thorough medical history may identify risks for heart failure that include:
If the heart valve leak is severe, it may impair the forward flow of blood. This can cause symptoms of congestive heart failure, which include: 1  Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat. 2  Leg swelling or fluid retention elsewhere in the body.