CHF

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive condition that affects the pumping power of the heart muscles. While often referred to simply as "heart failure," CHF specifically refers to the stage in which fluid builds up around the heart and causes it to pump inefficiently.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CHF can vary but commonly include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
• Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
• Lack of appetite and nausea
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness

Causes

CHF can result from various conditions that overwork the heart. These include:

• Coronary artery disease and heart attack
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Valvular heart disease
• Myocarditis
• Congenital heart defects

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing CHF, including:

• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet
• Age (older age increases risk)
• Family history of heart disease

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of CHF typically involves:

• Echocardiogram to assess the heart's function and structure
• Chest X-ray to see the condition of the lungs and heart
• Blood tests to check for signs of diseases that can affect the heart
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart
• Stress test to see how the heart performs under physical stress

Treatment

Treatment for CHF often includes a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Common treatments include:

• ACE inhibitors to help relax blood vessels
• Beta blockers to reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure
• Diuretics to help reduce fluid buildup
• Lifestyle changes such as a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking
• Surgery or medical devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in severe cases

Prognosis

The prognosis for CHF varies widely depending on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and how well the patient adheres to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life and extend survival.

Related Pages

• Cardiology
• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart attack
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram