Congestive heart failure happens when the heart is unable to effectively pump the blood through the body. It occurs when the heart muscle is weak because of disease or stressed beyond its ability to function. Congestive heart failure is in general, a secondary disease following another cardiac condition, primarily either coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valvular disease, or cardiac arrhythmias,(irregular heart beat or skipped heart beat) with coronary artery disease carrying the poorest prognosis and little hope. It may also follow a myocardial infarction, renal failure, sepsis or severe anemia.
Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood through the body. Usually, the loss in pumping action is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, such as coronary artery disease.
The term heart failure suggests a sudden and complete stop of heart activity. But, actually, the heart does not suddenly stop. Rather, heart failure usually develops slowly, often over years, as the heart gradually loses its pumping ability and works less efficiently. Some people may not become aware of their condition until symptoms appear years after their heart began its decline.
The heart has two sides and each sides have different function, and therefore will have a slightly different effect on the body when it is unable to fulfill that function. If it is the left side of the heart that has failed accumulation of fluid in and around the lungs will cause the patient to experience difficulty breathing, and the kidneys will respond to the reduced blood in the circulation by retaining fluid as well. If it is the right side that fails the excess fluid accumulates in the venous system, giving the patient a generalized edema that becomes more severe as their condition deteriorates.
A damaged and weak heart muscle often can be discovered when the doctor feels for or palpates the area of the chest overlying the heart. When the physician listens to or auscultates the heart, murmurs, extra heart sounds, or arrhythmias may be present, which indicate a particular underlying cause of congestive heart failure. Auscultation of the lungs may reveal "crackles" due to the presence of fluid in the lungs, which is a common finding in acute congestive heart failure. Swelling (edema) may be present in the ankles and feet or, in severe cases, may extend into the thighs and belly region.
Many factors can contribute to congestive heart failure and, if diagnosed, should be treated and maintained. These include hypertension, anemia or poycythemia, endocrine disorders, malnutrition, drug or alcohol use and obesity. Therefore, it is very important that patients suffering from congestive heart failure pay particular attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A doctor can aid in establishing the best diet and exercise plan with each individual to prevent placing undue stress on the heart and lungs.
Treatment of congestive heart failure includes a combination of diet, drugs, rest, and restricted daily activity. Digitalis is often given to strengthen heart function. It is also helpful in slowing down the heart rate and decreasing heart size. This then helps the body to rid itself of the extra fluids.
It is always better to consult a doctor when you have some of these symptoms
* Sudden weight gain (three or more pounds in one or two days)
* Increased swelling in the legs or ankles
* Shortness of breath while at rest
* A dry, hacking cough or wheezing
* Dizzy or fainting spells
* Increased fatigue or feeling unwell all the time
* Abdominal pain or swelling
Congestive Heart Failure Is
The heart has the very tiresome but important job of providing blood to all parts of the body. From the tips of your toes to the scalp in your head, blood is being pumped nonstop. Every cell in the body receives nutrients and eliminates its waste products through the circulatory system of which the heart is the central and crucial 'pump'.
The heart is made of four muscle chambers: the two atria and the two ventricles. The right atrium receives blood coming from the body. Blood goes down to the right ventricle where it is pumped to the lungs for oxygenation. It then goes to the left atrium. After that the left ventricle pumps the blood to the entire body. The left ventricle, having the hardest job of squeezing blood to the entire body, would be the strongest muscle of the four.
Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart is not able to provide enough blood to the body. It can be a weakened heart due to numerous heart attacks or old age. A disease of the heart called cardiomyopathy can also cause congestive heart failure. High blood pressure and even infection in the heart can contribute to this condition. Congestive heart failure is not the heart suddenly stopping; it is just the inefficiency of the heart's output.
Symptoms of Congestive heart failure
The symptoms of heart failure are dependent to the part or side of the heart that is weakened. Knowing how the parts of the heart work and their respective functions, it is easy to understand how failure would be affecting the body and the symptoms they would show.
If the left side of the heart weakens then the supply of the blood being pumped to the body is decreased. The symptoms would be shown in the build up of fluid in the lungs. Fluid build up is unavoidable. This would mean shortness of breath, increased breathlessness and difficulty breathing when lying down.
Now, if the right side of the heart wanes, the fluid build up would be in the extremities. There would be swelling on the lower parts of the body especially on the upper part of the legs and eventually the abdomen. Heart failure on this side is also characterizes by pitting edema. This is where a finger print impression is left when pressed against the swollen leg.
Treatments
The main treatment for congestive heart failure patients would a change in lifestyle. The diet and even water intake should be adjusted. Sodium increases the retention of fluid in the body. With this increased risk of edema, sodium should be decreased to the minimum.
Under the guidance of your physician, fluid intake may be decreased as well. Diuretics may also be given to help eliminate excess fluid in the body. And, although exercise is important, the amount of physical activity should be adjusted to the capacity of the patient's body and be under the direction of your doctor.
There are also nutritional and herbal supplements which can help strengthen the heart and help alleviate the most worrisome symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure.
Both Doyourock & Dee Braun are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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