Complications of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure, also known as heart failure, is the number one cause of death for people 65 and older. Advances in the treatment of hypertension, heart surgery and pacemakers are improving the survival rates for those diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

History

• Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is not pumping the amount of blood that the body's tissues need. This results in the heart weakening, allowing fluid to build up in the lungs and tissue.

Causes

• Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of congestive heart failure. It can also be caused by cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease and arrhythmias.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of congestive heart failure are shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, coughing, weight gain, heart palpitations, irregular or rapid pulse, sleep problems, fatigue, loss of appetite and abdominal swelling.

Complications

• Acute pulmonary edema is a severe complication in which fluid builds up in your lungs. An irregular heartbeat can also be a severe complication of congestive heart failure.

Treatment

• The main treatment may be diuretics to help rid your body of the excess fluid. Exercising, quitting smoking, watching your weight, limiting your salt intake and resting are methods you try at home to help treat congestive heart failure.

Prevention/Solution

• Exercise, healthy diet, not smoking, limited salt intake, and not drinking alcohol can help prevent congestive heart failure. Controlling your cholesterol level, heart rate and blood pressure will also help in preventing heart failure.