Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It is a type of Heart Disease that requires ongoing management and can lead to life-threatening complications if not properly treated.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of congestive heart failure can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Causes[edit | edit source]
Congestive heart failure often occurs after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. However, the heart can sometimes become so weak that it can't fill with and/or pump blood efficiently. Conditions that may lead to CHF include:
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Faulty heart valves
- Damage to the heart muscle
- Myocarditis
- Heart defects
- Severe lung disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of congestive heart failure involves a physical exam, medical history, and various tests such as:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Test
- Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for congestive heart failure can include:
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for congestive heart failure depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. With proper management, many people with CHF can lead a full and enjoyable life.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Congestive Heart Failure Resources | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
