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Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is the result of the heart's diminished capacity to effectively pump blood. The result of this reduced functioning is a decrease in blood flow throughout the body, blood back-up in the lungs and veins (congestion), and other changes. Five million Americans are currently living with congestive heart failure. More than 550,000 new cases of congestive heart failure are diagnosed each year in the United States. While there is no cure for congestive heart failure, there are a number of treatments that can help manage a patient's condition and improve their quality of life.

Congestive heart failure can occur at any age, though this cardiovascular condition is more common in older individuals who have had other related health problems that may have weakened the heart. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, eating high fat and high cholesterol foods, not exercising, and similar activities can increase a person's risk of developing congestive heart failure. Some medical conditions, which are at times unknown to a patient, can increase a person's risk of developing congestive heart failure.

Certain heart conditions such as previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, abnormal heart valves, congenital heart defect, and heart muscle disease, can increase one's risk of developing congestive heart failure. Lung disease, diabetes, severe anemia, and hyperthyroidism can also increase one's risk for developing congestive heart disease. Each of these medical conditions has a number of unique causes, some of which include viruses and infections, drug and alcohol use, and other risk factors. Certain medications which are known to cause cardiovascular conditions may increase a person's risk of developing congestive heart failure or other conditions which can weaken the heart.

There are a number of signs and symptoms that people with congestive heart failure commonly experience. Physicians classify congestive heart failure based on the severity of their symptoms and the resulting limitations. Most symptoms of congestive heart failure are caused by inadequate oxygen-rich blood flow to different areas of the body. Signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure can include: fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, swelling (edema), weight gain, lack of appetite, confusion and impaired thinking, and an increased heart rate.

Diagnosing congestive heart failure will begin with a full physical examination. The physician will gather information about the patient's medical history and their symptoms. It is important for patients to be honest about their lifestyle habits (i.e. smoking, diet) so that a doctor can correctly diagnose and treat the true condition. There are a number of diagnostic tests that are also used to diagnose or rule out congestive heart failure, including chest x-ray, angiography, EKG, echocardiogram, MUGA, and blood tests.

While there is no cure for congestive heart failure, a patient's physical condition and quality of life can be greatly improved with proper management. Treatment of congestive heart failure is often a three-pronged approach involving lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Lifestyle changes are often the most important element in managing congestive heart failure. In practice, implementing major lifestyle changes is not always easy: it requires dedication and support from loved ones. Quitting smoking, increasing exercise, adhering to a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, reducing stress, avoiding alcohol, losing weight, and visiting you physician more often can all help to manage and improve congestive heart failure. Medications and surgical options are also available.

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