Learn more about Congestive Heart Failure
What is congestive heart failure?
People who suffer from congestive heart failure (CHF) have a heart that is not working as well as it should. The heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively which has a negative effect on many bodily functions. A weakened heart cannot move as much blood as a healthy one, causing fluid to back up in the lungs. This results in the body receiving less oxygen than needed. In addition, the kidneys cannot remove enough excess fluid from the body which causes fluid accumulation, especially in the feet and lower legs. This “congestion” of fluid in the body is why this disease is called congestive heart failure.
Causes of congestive heart failure
The most common cause of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease which narrows the blood vessels that supply the heart, depriving the heart muscle of needed oxygen and weakening it. There are also other causes of CHF including high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle from heart attacks or infections, severe lung disease, and problems with heart valves. People who are obese, have diabetes, chronic kidney disease or an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) are much more likely to develop congestive heart failure.
How does the disease progress?
Congestive heart failure is a condition that worsens over time. In the early stages of CHF, the heart tries to compensate for its reduced efficiency by enlarging, increasing its muscle mass and pumping faster. Eventually, the heart cannot keep up with all the needs of the body even by compensating. This causes shortness of breath, loss of energy, and other problems. Many patients first visit a doctor when they experience these symptoms.
Diagnosing congestive heart failure
Only a doctor can diagnose CHF. Different tests are used including echocardiography, chest x-rays, cardiac catheterization, stress and blood tests, as well as other tests. Your doctor will determine the proper tests to examine how well your heart is working and whether or not you have congestive heart failure.
Living with the disease
Congestive heart failure is a progressive, chronic illness for which there is no cure. It is a long-term condition that worsens over time. Although symptoms of the disease can be treated, there is no cure. However, with proper care, people can live many years with congestive heart failure.