CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is a condition where the heart is not able to pump blood as effectively as it should. This prevents tissues and organs from getting all of the oxygen and nutrients they need, and can lead to serious health problems.
For example, reduced blood volume to the kidneys causes them to be less effective at removing excess fluid from the body. As a result, fluid accumulates in the lungs, lower extremities and abdomen.
SYMPTOMS
Heart failure symptoms are initially subtle, but, as the condition progresses, the signs become more obvious. Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough, wheezing or labored breathing
- Swelling in the feet, ankles and legs
- Swelling in the abdomen and blood vessels in the neck
- Weight gain
- Fatigue and weakness
Doctors often diagnose heart failure by taking a medical and family history, evaluating symptoms, doing a physical exam, and conducting tests, which may include a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram, or an echocardiogram.
Anything that weakens or damages the heart can lead to heart failure. A combination of factors are often involved. Major causes include: high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, valve damage and heart disease.
TREATMENT
There is currently no cure for heart failure. Treatment typically focuses on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival.
For example, heart failure caused by a faulty heart valve may require surgery. A pacemaker may be needed if it is linked to an irregular heartbeat. Drugs may be prescribed to control high blood pressure or diabetes.
Besides making changes in their diet and activity level, people with heart failure are also advised to take various medications, such as those that expand blood vessels (vasodilators), decrease the heart's workload, or help kidneys remove fluids (diuretics).
Heart failure is a preventable condition. Effective prevention includes: regular exercise, a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, losing excess weight, and not smoking.