Congestive Heart Failure

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive Heart failure or CHF is a condition that means your heart is weakened and does not work as efficiently as it should.  The heart cannot pump enough blood to the body's organs.  With congestive heart failure, some activities may be more difficult to do now because the heart has to work harder which may cause a person to become more tired or short of breath.

With congestive heart failure, the weakened heart pumps blood more slowly.  The blood returning to the heart thorough the veins then backs up causing "congestion" or fluid to develop.  This increased congestion within the lower extremities will cause fluid to seep out of the blood vessels.  This fluid makes its way to the skin and fatty tissue, and will often causing swelling of the feet and ankles.  If the heart is not pumping well, other organs including the kidneys, liver or lungs may be affected.   While the term congestive heart failure may sound frightening, mild and moderate cases can be treated and an individual can still live comfortably by following his or her cardiologist's advice.

What Causes CHF?

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Heart valve disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Disease of the heart muscle
• Congenital heart defects
• Infection of the heart muscle or valves

What are the symptoms of CHF?

 Some common symptoms of congestive heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath when you exert yourself
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty breathing when you are lying down
• Coughing and congested lungs
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Rapid weight gain (attributed to fluid retention)

How is Congestive Heart Failure Treated?

Medications - Your cardiologist may prescribe medication or a combination of several medications.  Taking your prescribed medications and following your cardiologist's orders are essential.  Various medicines may be prescribed to treat congestive heart failure.   

• Beta blockers are used to widen or dilate blood vessels, thereby decreasing the work load of the heart.
• ACE inhibitors and vasodilators expand blood vessels and decrease resistance, allowing blood to flow with less difficulty thereby allowing the heart's work easier.
• Diuretic or water pill may be prescribed to help rid the body of excess fluid.
  
  
  

Diet - Maintaining a proper diet including decreased sodium intake is very important. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain excess fluid causing swollen ankles or shortness of breath due to fluid backing up in the lungs.  Much of excess sodium consumption comes from use of table salt.  Excess sodium can also be found in processed foods, including things like canned soups, frozen dinners and food that is ready to eat from the grocery store.  A diet low in cholesterol and high in fiber and potassium may also help improve the quality of life.  Limiting alcohol, decreasing fluid intake and losing weight may also be directed by your cardiologist.



Exercise - You may be directed by your cardiologist to reduce physical exertion.  However, an exercise program may be recommended.  Implementing a simple exercise routine may help keep your muscles in shape and potentially improve heart function.  Walking, swimming, leisure bicycling are just a few activities to consider.  Talk with your cardiologist to find out what activities are best.

Smoking cessation - Quit smoking.  Smoking has many adverse effects.  It can damage blood vessels, reduce the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause a racing heart.  Your cardiologist can suggest a program to help you stop.

Monitoring Symptoms

Keep track of your weight.  Rapid weight gain can be a sign of water retention.  Your cardiologist may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Contact your cardiologist if you notice you are developing shortness of breath or your shortness of breath is getting worse during activity. Also, talk with your doctor if shortness of breath wakes you at night or if you are short of breath after lying down for a short period of time.  

Feeling tired and weak is a common if you have congestive heart failure.  Pacing yourself with activities may be necessary. If your fatigue suddenly changes, contact your cardiologist.