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Characteristics of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure, also referred to as heart failure or CHF, is in most cases a chronic condition, although in rare instances it may develop rapidly. In congestive heart failure either one or both of the ventricles of the heart is not working at full capacity. As a result, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body (University of Maryland Medical Center).

  1. Definition

    • Heart failure is so named because the heart is unable to perform at its optimum efficiency. The term "congestive" refers to the tendency of blood to back up into the lungs, abdomen, or lower extremities because the heart is inefficient (Mayo Clinic).

    Basics

    • The human heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The atria are the receiving chambers of the heart; the ventricles are the pumping chambers. In heart failure, there is a dysfunction of the ventricles which causes reduced ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently or to relax and completely fill with each heartbeat (Mayo Clinic).

      The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs; the left ventricle pumps blood to the rest of the body. Characteristics and symptoms of this chronic disorder will depend on which ventricle is not functioning optimally---or whether both ventricles' function is compromised (Mayo Clinic).

    Symptoms of Left Ventricular Failure

    • Dysfunction of the left ventricle will result in the heart having a more difficult time pumping an adequate blood supply to the body, causing a backup or congestion of blood in the lungs, which is where the blood pumped from the left ventricle originates (Mayo Clinic).

      Shortness of breath and fatigue are hallmark symptoms of left-sided heart failure as related by the Merck Online Manual.

      This is the most common form of congestive heart failure (Mayo Clinic).

    Symptoms of Right Ventricular Failure

    • Dysfunction of the right ventricle will result in the heart having difficulty pumping enough blood to the lungs, causing congestion of blood in the liver, gastrointestinal system, legs and arms (UMMC). The blood pumped from the right ventricle comes from the body, which is why the congestion would occur in these areas.

      The Mayo Clinic advises that swelling of the abdomen, feet and legs are cardinal symptoms of right-sided heart failure.

    Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure

    • The health-care provider must know which type of heart failure, systolic or diastolic---or both---is present so that appropriate treatment with medications will be prescribed.

      The ventricles have two stages: the pumping stage in which the heart muscles contract, and the relaxation stage in which the heart muscles relax and allow the chambers to fill with blood.

      Systolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to pump as vigorously as it should.

      Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle does not relax sufficiently for the chamber to fill as it should before pumping the blood.

    Expert Insight

    • Congestive heart failure can be successfully managed, as advised by the Mayo Clinic, through medical treatment and such lifestyle changes as maintaining a body weight within normal limits, reducing stress, following a diet that is nutritionally balanced, avoiding smoking, treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, and treatment and management of diabetes

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