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Definition of Congestive Failure Heart

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart is too weak or stiff to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's needs. The blood then backs up into the lungs, liver, legs and abdomen causing a congestion of blood in those areas. The affected heart may either have difficulties with pumping blood, filling up with blood or both. Heart failure usually begins on the left side of the heart. Congestive heart failure often happens as result of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

  1. Symptoms of Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

    • Chronic congestive heart failure symptoms generally come on gradually and exist for an extended period of time. Symptoms may include severe fatigue, weakness, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, coughing, wheezing, poor appetite, nausea and swelling of the abdomen, legs and feet.

    Acute Congestive Heart Failure

    • Sometimes congestive heart failure occurs suddenly. In this case it is referred to as acute congestive heart failure. In this case, the heartbeat may become very fast and may cause the heart to stop beating. Fluid may accumulate in the lower half of the body very suddenly and breathing may become difficult. The affected individual may cough up mucus which appears to be pink and foamy. Some, but not all, individuals may experience chest pain.

    Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

    • Congestive heart failure occurs after the heart has been significantly weakened or damaged by other conditions. Damage may cause the ventricles to become too stiff to fill with an adequate amount of blood between heart beats. In addition, the heart muscle may become increasingly weaker which results in the ventricles dilating so much that blood is not pumped properly. Causes of a weakened or damaged heart include: coronary artery disease, heart attacks, hypertension, heart infections, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and congenital heart defects. Diseases that may lead to congestive heart failure include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, emphysema and lupus.

    Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure

    • Any individual experiencing symptoms of congestive heart failure, should seek medical attention. A physician will conduct a thorough physical exam. A blood test can detect the hormone known as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) which indicates that the heart has been overworked or injured. Also, a chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart or lung congestion which both are indicative of congestive heart failure. An echo-cardiogram will be used to determine what type of heart failure is occurring and the severity of the condition. Congestive heart failure is categorized according to its severity. A person with category A heart failure are at risk of developing the condition and a person with category D heart failure is suffering from serious heart failure requiring hospitalization. Those with category B and C heart failure fall in between A and D.

    Treatment

    • The first step to treating congestive heart failure is to treat the underlying conditions that have contributed to the condition. A combination of medications may be used to treat congestive heart failure. These medications may include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, beta blockers, diuretics and aldosterone antagonists. Some individuals may require surgery to implant a defibrillator, pacemaker or heart pump. In the most severe cases, a heart transplant may be needed.

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