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Symptoms & Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure is a condition in which a person's heart doesn't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. The condition cannot be reversed but can often be treated with good results, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Causes

    • Heart attack or coronary artery disease can cause chronic heart failure. Faulty heart valves, high blood pressure or damage to the heart muscle can also be causes.

    Symptoms

    • Fatigue, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath are common symptoms of chronic heart failure. Other symptoms include swelling of the legs, persistent cough, sudden weight gain, nausea and heart attack.

    Diagnosis

    • Blood tests and chest x-rays can detect the presence of chronic heart failure. Electrocardiograms or echocardiograms may be used in the diagnosis as well.

    Medication

    • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or A-II receptor blockers may be prescribed to widen blood vessels. Diuretics and beta blockers are often given to heart failure patients, according to Mayo Clinic.

    Surgery

    • Surgery is sometimes performed to treat the problem that caused the heart failure, such as a faulty heart valve. In such a case, the heart valve may be replaced. A coronary bypass may also be performed to treat narrowed arteries.

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