Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It doesn't mean the heart has stopped working, but its efficiency is compromised, leading to inadequate blood and oxygen supply to other organs.

Causes of Heart Failure:

Heart failure can be caused by a variety of conditions that damage or overwork the heart muscle:

  • Coronary Artery Disease: Blocked arteries limit blood flow, weakening heart muscle over time.

  • High Blood Pressure: Over time, it can leave the heart too stiff or weak to fill and pump efficiently.

  • Previous Heart Attack: Scar tissue reduces the heart's pumping efficiency.

  • Other conditions like obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain medications can also increase the risk.

Common Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Persistent cough or wheezing

  • Fatigue

  • Swelling in feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen

  • Increased heart rate

  • Confusion or impaired thinking

  • Reduced appetite or nausea

Types of Heart Failure:

  • Left-sided Heart Failure: The left side of the heart can't pump blood to the body efficiently.

  • Right-sided Heart Failure: The right side struggles to pump blood to the lungs.

  • Systolic Heart Failure: The left ventricle can't contract vigorously.

  • Diastolic Heart Failure: The left ventricle can't relax and fill properly.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Patient history and physical examination

  • Blood tests

  • Chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiogram, MRI, or CT scans

Treatment aims to improve symptoms and can include:

  • Medications: To reduce symptoms, improve heart function, or address underlying causes.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Low-sodium diet, regular exercise, weight management, and avoiding alcohol or smoking.

  • Devices and Surgical Procedures: Pacemakers, defibrillators, or even heart transplant in severe cases.

Living with Heart Failure:

While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, many patients with heart failure lead full, enjoyable lives by managing their condition with:

  • Regular medical check-ups

  • Medication adherence

  • Monitoring symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention

  • Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle