Congestive heart failure (CHF), or commonly known as heart failure, is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body's other organs. Since, the blood flow out of the heart slows down, the blood returning back to the heart also gets clogged. This causes congestion in the tissues.
The congestion often results in swelling. Mostly, the swelling occurs in the legs and ankles, but it can also happen in other parts of the body. People with heart failure cannot wield because of feeling tired and short breath. The shortness of breath is caused by the collection of fluid in the lungs. This fluid interferes with breathing and causes shortness of breath. Heart failure also affects the Kidney’s function to dispose of sodium and water. The retained water increases the edema. The "failing" heart does not stop working unless it is in severe condition. It keeps working but not as efficiently as required.
The people with high blood pressure, diabetes and congenital heart defects are on high risk for Congestive Heart Failure. Human heart has to work harder if the blood pressure is high and it results in wearing of heart. Narrowed arteries also limit heart’s oxygen supply which results in weakened heart muscle. Arteries can get narrowed because of Coronary artery disease or due to the cholesterol deposit, or may be due to swelling of artery walls. Congenital heart defects, i.e. structural heart defects by birth, can also develop heart failure.
Diabetes can also result in high blood pressure or Coronary artery disease, hence, is a risk for Congestive Heart Failure. Some diabetes medication also increases the risk of heart failure. Irregular heartbeat can also create some extra work for heart. Sleep apnea, which is an inability to breathe properly at night, results in low oxygen level in blood and, hence, a weak heart. Consumption of alcohol in larger amounts can also weaken heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
There are four common types of heart failures. Left-sided hear failure is the most common type of heart failure which results from fluid collection in lungs causing shortness of breath. The second kind is right-sided heart failure and it often occurs with the left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to the swelling and fluid clogging in abdomen, legs and feet. Systolic heart failure is another kind that results from a pumping problem when left ventricle cannot contract properly. Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle has a filling problem and cannot relax.
It’s not possible to go back in time eliminate the choices that lead to heart failure but it is possible to treat heart failure. Mild and moderate congestive heart failure can be treated and careful medical supervision can prevent patients from incapacitation. Medications and lifestyle changes can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure. Stress management, exercise, health diet and losing excess weight can improve. Limiting risk factors can prevent all the conditions that cause heart failure.Keywords: Congestive Heart Failure, Heart Failure, Heart.
