CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive heart failure is a serious disease and life-threatening symptoms can occur without warning. Congestive heart failure, also called heart failure and congestive heart disease, is caused by damage to your heart. Conditions that can damage your heart include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, and heart infection. Congenital heart diseases can also lead to congestive heart failure, as can cardiomyopathy, an enlargement or scarring of your heart muscle. When your heart is damaged, it can't pump blood effectively. Blood begins to back up in your body and you may start to notice symptoms such as:

1. Chest pain

2. Fatigue

3. Loose cough and difficulty breathing because of buildup of fluid in your lungs

4. Swelling of your feet, ankles, legs, arms, belly, and face

5. Weight gain

If you have congestive heart failure, you are not alone. Nearly five million Americans have the disease. It is most common in people older than 65 years of age, according to the Heart Failure Society. Any disease or condition that increases the risk of developing heart disease also increases your risk of congestive heart failure. You might be at risk if you have any of the following:

1. African American ancestry

2. Coronary heart disease

3. Diabetes

4. Excessive alcohol consumption

5. High cholesterol

6. Personal or family history of heart disease or heart attack

7. High blood pressure

8. Obesity

9. Sedentary lifestyle

10. Smoking

11. Kidney disease

12. Heart arrhythmias

When you have congestive heart failure, you may not have the energy or strength to do all you want to do. You may also have episodes of life-threatening problems, such as fluid buildup in your lungs. Fortunately, you can help improve your heart function and symptoms with treatments that can boost your energy level and help you live the most active life possible. Treating congestive heart failure often involves treating the underlying cause if possible. For most people with congestive heart failure, medications are the cornerstone of treatment.

Despite your best efforts and treatments, sometimes congestive heart failure progresses. If this happens, palliative care and hospice care are available. These team approaches provide comfort and support to improve the overall quality of life for people with end-stage congestive heart failure. This type of care is often provided at home.

source: www.localhealth.com