Congestive Heart Failure

May 6, 2016

Congestive Heart Failure

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Nearly 6 million adults in the United States have heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal. Because the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, blood moves through the body at a slower rate, unable to pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs. Conditions such as coronary heart disease or high blood pressure may leave your heart too weak or too stiff function properly.

Chambers of the heart may respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump. This may help to keep blood moving in the body, but eventually, the heart walls may weaken and won’t be able to pump efficiently. The kidneys will respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. The fluid can build up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, causing the body to become congested. This condition is described as congestive heart failure.

Causes of Heart Failure

Often, heart failure develops due to other conditions weakening or damaging your heart. Though heart failure occurs when your heart is weakened, it can also occur if the heart becomes too stiff.

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a disease of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CAD causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. If arteries become blocked or severely narrowed, the heart is unable to pump the oxygen and nutrients needed.
  • Heart attacks occur when a coronary artery becomes blocked, stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Heart attacks cause damage to heart muscles, which can cause them not to work properly.
  • Cardiomyopathy is damage to the heart muscle from other causes aside from artery or blood flow problems. These causes may be from infections, alcohol, or drug abuse.

Other conditions that can contribute to congestive heart failure are as follows:

  • High blood pressure
  • Valve disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart defects present at birth

Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

Symptoms may not be noticeable during early stages of congestive heart failure, but as the condition worsens, you’ll notice changes in your body.

The first symptoms someone with heart failure might notice:

  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in legs, feet, and ankles
  • Weight gain
  • Increased need to urinate, especially at night

Symptoms that may indicate your condition has worsened:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • A cough that develops from congested lungs
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath, especially at rest or when lying flat in bed

Symptoms that may indicate a severe heart condition that needs immediate medical attention:

  • Chest pain that radiates through the upper body; may be a sign of a heart attack
  • Rapid breathing
  • Skin that appears blue due to a lack of oxygen
  • Fainting

Diagnosing Congestive Heart Failure

After describing your symptoms to a healthcare provider, you will most likely be referred to a heart specialist or cardiologist. To confirm a diagnosis, the cardiologist will perform a full physical exam and may order a number of tests to examine heart valves, blood vessels, and chambers. Some of these tests may include:

  • An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to record heart rhythm
  • An echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to record the heart’s structure and motion
  • A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to take pictures of your heart
  • A stress test will show how well your heart performs under various levels of stress
  • Blood tests to check for abnormal blood cells and/or infections
  • Cardiac catheterization to show blockages in the coronary arteries

Treating Congestive Heart Failure

Depending on how your condition has progressed and your overall health, a cardiologist may prescribe medications that include:

  • Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help to open up narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow
  • Beta-blockers can help to reduce blood pressure and slow a rapid heart rhythm
  • Diuretics may help reduce the body’s fluid content

If medications alone are not enough to treat congestive heart failure, there are surgical procedures that may help including an angioplasty, or heart valve repair surgery.

There are many things you can do to keep heart failure from worsening:

  • Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Do not consume alcohol.
  • Keep your blood pressure low so your heart can pump most effectively.
  • Maintain your fluid balance because the more fluids in your vessels, the harder your heart must work to pump it through your body.
  • Limit your sodium intake for less fluid retention and less swelling.
  • Take your medications as prescribed.
  • Monitor your weight. If you have unexpected weight gain (3 pounds in one day, 5 pounds in a week), contact your doctor.
Congestive Heart Failure
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