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Congestive Heart Failure & Pain

Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Coronary artery disease and high blood pressure can lead to heart failure over time. Certain painful symptoms accompany congestive heart failure, but treatments are available to combat the disease.

  1. Causes

    • Several different conditions can lead to congestive heart failure, including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of arteries from fatty deposits that collect on artery walls, causing the heart muscle to become weak. Other conditions may include faulty heart valves, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart defects and diseases such as emphysema, lupus and diabetes.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of congestive heart failure include chest pains that may feel like pressure on the chest, abdominal and feet swelling, feeling weak or faint, and indigestion. Fluid buildup in the abdomen and liver may cause stomach pain and nausea. Other symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath and an increased need to urinate.

    Risks

    • Your risk of suffering from congestive heart failure increases with certain factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, alcohol abuse, heart attack, viruses that have infected and damaged the heart muscle, irregular heartbeat and sleep apnea.

    Treatment

    • Treatments to reduce pain and other symptoms may begin with certain medications. ACE inhibitors such as Prinivil dilates blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. Beta blockers such as Coreg and Zebeta slows heart rate. A drug called Lanoxin slows heart rate and strengthens heart muscle contractions. Diuretics, or water pills, may be recommended to reduce fluid buildup in the body. Surgery may be needed when medications are not enough to restore health. Replacing faulty heart valves or implanting a cardio-defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythms may be considered.

    Prevention/Solution

    • You can lower your risk of congestive heart failure and its painful symptoms by not smoking, not abusing alcohol, reducing sodium intake, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, and exercising regularly. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which contribute to heart failure. Consult with your doctor on diet and exercise routines best suitable for you.

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