Congestive Heart Failure
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart does not function as efficiently as it should. CHF may be caused by many medical circumstances such as
- Narrowed arteries or coronary artery disease
- Past heart attack, or myocardial infarction, resulting in scar tissue
- High blood pressure
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
- Infection of the heart valves and/or heart muscle
Since the heart cannot pump blood out as quickly as it should, blood flow back into the heart slows as well, often resulting in swelling, or edema, primarily in the legs and ankles.
Congestive Heart Failure can also affect the kidneys, causing decreased efficiency at removing sodium and water from the body, which may increase edema.
Signs and Symptoms
Heart failure is easy to diagnose and manage but can quickly become dangerous if ignored. Up to 5 million people are affected by heart failure every year.
Signs and symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) may include the following:
- Shortness of breath after activities or when lying down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling, especially in the ankles and legs and stomach
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Coughing or wheezing accompanied by blood-tinged phlegm
- Sudden weight gain with fluid retention
- Lack of appetite or nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or staying alert
Prevention
The best prevention for congestive heart failure (CHF) is monitoring and controlling risk factors such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, lifestyle choices such as not smoking, eating healthy foods, staying physically active and managing stress can help prevent CHF.
Treatment
Various types of treatment exist for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), depending on the cause. If a specific cause is determined, such as high blood pressure, treatment for that cause may establish effective heart function.
Medical Treatment
Rest, proper diet, adapted daily activities may be used to treat CHF. A physician may also recommend certain medications such as:
- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors - Expands blood vessels and decreases resistance
- Beta blockers - Improves heart's left lower chamber (left ventricle) pumping
- Digitalis - Increases heart pumping action
- Diuretics - Helps body eliminate excess salt and water to limit edema.
- Vasodilators - Expands blood vessels and decreases resistance
Surgical Treatment
When medical treatment is not enough, surgical treatment may be necessary.
- Valve Replacement - If CHF is the consequence of damaged valve(s), surgical replacement of said valve(s) may result in improved heart function.
- Heart Transplant - In the event that medical treatment fails and more drastic measures must be taken, your physician may suggest heart transplant.
