Congestive Heart Failure

When a person’s heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood through the body to the organs, this is known as Congestive Heart Failure. Congestive Heart Failure or more loosely called heart failure stems from one of the following seven conditions:

• There has been an infection to the heart valves or heart muscle. These infections are known as myocarditis or endocarditis.
• Congenital heart defects -defects that a person has at birth
• There is primary disease of the heart muscle – this is known as cardiomyopathy
• Previous heart attack or myocardial infarction that has left scar tissue which inhibits normal functioning
• Coronary artery disease – where the arteries have narrowed and it is more difficult for the blood to get to the heart muscle
• High blood pressure can also lead to Congestive Heart Failure

How Congestive Heart Failure Affects the Body

It is important that you understand Congestive Heart Failure does not only affect the heart. Due to the fact that the blood is moving at a slower pace coming from the heart and then pooling or backing up in the veins swelling can be seen in the extremities especially the feet, ankles and legs. The swelling can also be due to the fact that congestive heart failure affects the functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys can have a difficult time eliminating sodium and water.

The build up of water in the body can also go into the lungs causing shortness of breath. A person with congestive heart failure may find that when they down it may become more difficult to breath due to the flood build up. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important that you notify your doctor.

How is Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosed?

Keeping in mind that a doctor is needed for a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, the most common signs are difficulty breathing and swollen feet and legs. The swelling can be an all over swelling which will cause weight gain. If you are experiencing these symptoms call your doctor.

Typical Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

Most often the best way treatment plan for congestive heart failure includes rest, proper diet, modified exercises and medication. There are multiple types of medications that can be used such as vasodilators, diuretics, digitalis, ACE inhibitors and Beta blockers. Each type of medication serves a different purpose.

The vasodilators and ACE inhibitors are used to expand the blood vessels so there is less resistance, which makes it easier for the blood to move through the arteries. This helps improve the efficiency of the heart. The beta blockers help the left lower chamber of the heart pump better. Diuretics help the body get rid of the excess water and sodium. Digitalis will increase the pumping action of the heart.

Treatment Plans

If a specific cause of the congestive heart failure can be established it is best to treat the cause. So if a person has congestive heart failure and that is due to high blood pressure then getting the blood pressure under control will help treat the congestive heart failure. Likewise if the root cause is a bad valve in the heart, there is valve replacement surgery.

Worst case scenario is a heart transplant. This is only needed when if the heart becomes so damaged that repairs will not work. Fortunately, many people who have congestive heart failure only have a mild to moderate case and this can be treated with medication.

Remember that having congestive heart failure does not mean that your heart isn’t working. What is does mean is that your heart is not working as efficiently as it should. There are treatment options available. Talk to your doctor, watch your diet and take your medications.