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CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive Heart Failure, otherwise known as CHF has become one of the most common heart problems in our country. CHF is when the heart cannot pump the amount of oxygen and nutrient rich blood needed for the body. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with CHF, you probably have many questions you need answered. Personal or specific questions should be directed to your Doctor or Nurse, but we have put together answers to some of the generalized questions here for you.

The most common question that needs to be addressed is what causes CHF. There are many answers to this question, but most cases of CHF are caused by the weakening of the heart muscle. It is also caused by an abnormally functioning heart valve, or the heart without warning beating too fast or too irregular (also known as Atrial Fibrillation). Excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period of time will increase the chance of developing CHF. Other known causes are past heart attacks, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and severe lung disease.

Congestive heart failure symptoms will vary. These symptoms may include but are not limited to, tiredness or fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, swelling of lower extremities (feet, ankles, and legs), and rapid weight gain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to consult your doctor as to why they are occurring. Early detection of CHF is helpful in being able to control and manage any issues that may occur.

There is no known cure for congestive heart failure yet, but there are ways of managing it. Changing your lifestyle plays a key role in alleviating the symptoms that will transpire. A few examples would be to avoid alcohol and caffeine, quit smoking, reduce stress, and maintaining a low-fat/low-sodium diet. It is important to keep track of occurring symptoms or changes, and to see your doctor on a regular basis.

Other forms of treatment are medications and surgery. Medications should be taken exactly as the doctor specifies. There are many different medications, and in some cases a person might be prescribed a number of them. Surgery options consist of coronary artery bypass, angioplasty (which is in all actuality non-surgical), or in severe cases heart transplant.

There are already over 5 million cases of congestive heart failure in The United States, and every year this number increase by 400,000. For more information on CHF please contact your doctor or the American Heart Association.

The information contained in the topic is based on current medical literature and on physician review. However, because an accurate medical diagnosis depends on many factors, including each patient's unique medical history, the use of this information is not intended to replace the advice of your provider.

SOURCES

Living with Heart Failure
American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org

Congestive Heart Failure/A patients guide
Oregon Medical Professional Review Organization and The American Heart Association

copyright June 1997

Reviewed and approved for publication by: Alfred M. Mick, M.D and Medical Director, David A. McAnulty, M.D.

Written by: Shannon Elliott

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