Do you have Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is not capable of pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body’s organs. Congestive heart failure can result from a variety of other pre-existing medical conditions including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous heart attacks
- Congenital heart defects
- Cardiomyopathy
- High blood pressure
- Heart valve disease
- Heart value or heart muscle infection
Congestive heart failure can cause the patient to feel out of breath and dizzy because not enough oxygen-rich blood is being pumped to other organs. Because the blood flow from the heart is slowed, the blood returning to the heart can become backed up. This backup of blood can create many other medical problems in the body. Congestive heart failure can lead to swelling and blood congestion in body tissue. Oftentimes swelling in the legs and ankles occurs; however, swelling can occur in other areas of the body.
Congestive heart failure can also lead to fluid build-up in the lungs. In addition, the kidneys ability to function properly can be negatively affected when a person has congestive heart failure. The kidneys can have difficulty eliminated sodium and water, thus excess fluid can build up. Fluids may be retained in the liver which reduces its capacity to function and rid the body of toxins. Congestive heart failure can also have adverse effects on the intestines reducing their ability to absorb essential nutrients and medications. Left untreated, congestive heart failure can cause harm to nearly every organ in the body.
The most common symptoms of congestive heart failure are swollen legs and/or ankles and difficulty breathing. Treatment options for congestive heart failure include medications, changing in lifestyle (including increased rest, healthy diet and reduced stress levels), and surgery. Congestive heart failure may be treated using drugs; however if the congestive heart failure is due to a defect or damage to the heart, surgery may be the appropriate medical option. In cases of severe heart damage, a heart transplant may be necessary.
Cited References:
American Heart Association
Google Health
MedicineNet
FacetoFace Health Heart Defects and Diseases Support Groups