|
|
Introduction
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the
heart muscle is weak and does not pump blood properly
to the organs to supply their need for oxygen.
When this happens, body tissues, which depend on the
oxygen and nutrients in blood circulated from the
heart, no longer receive enough nourishment. As a
result, patients experience shortness of breath when
climbing stairs and walking quickly, and tire easily.
Causes
Heart failure is caused by diseases or other factors
that affect the pumping ability of the heart,
specifically the left lower chamber (left ventricle).
This condition may be the result of a heart attack,
heart disease, high blood pressure, problems with the
heart valves, infections of the heart, or a disease of
the heart muscle. Other causes may include severe
physical or emotional stress, drugs, or thyroid
disease.
Symptoms
A person with heart failure may experience the
following:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Frequent coughing, especially when lying down
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Sudden death
Treatment Heart failure usually is treated with lifestyle
changes and medicines. Sometimes surgery is needed to
correct abnormalities of the heart or heart valves.
Dietary changes to maintain proper weight and reduce
salt intake may be needed. Reducing salt intake helps
to lessen swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen.
Appropriate exercise may also be recommended.
Other lifestyle changes that may reduce the symptoms
of heart failure include stopping smoking or other
tobacco use, eliminating or reducing alcohol
consumption, and not using harmful drugs.
One or more of the following types of medicines may be
prescribed for heart failure:
- Diuretics
- Vasodilators
- Digoxin
- Beta blockers
- Angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II
(A-II) receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Surgery is used to correct certain heart conditions
that cause heart failure. Congenital heart defects and
abnormal heart valves can be repaired with surgery.
Blocked coronary arteries can usually be treated with
angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.
|
