Congestive Heart Failure CHF)

What is going on in the body?

CHF is caused by a number of complex problems that cause the pumping chambers of the heart to fail. The heart is divided into a left heart and right heart. In a healthy heart, the right heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. The blood receives a fresh supply of oxygen as it passes through the lungs. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped back into the left heart, which pumps it out to the rest of the body.
If the pumping chambers of the heart do not function well, blood stays in the lungs or in the tissues of the body. These areas then become congested with blood and fluid. And that is the basis for the name congestive heart failure. In time, the organs and tissues begin to suffer from not getting enough blood and oxygen.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

CHF can be caused by many diseases and conditions. Coronary heart disease, also called CHD, is a major cause of CHF. Multiple or severe heart attacks can lead to CHF as heart muscle is damaged. Other risk factors for CHF include:

alcohol abuse

certain infectious diseases common in underdeveloped countries

congenital heart disease, which are heart defects present at birth

diabetes

heart valve damage, such as the scarring from a heart valve infection known as endocarditis

high blood pressure

high cholesterol levels

obesity

inactive lifestyle

smoking

some genetic disorders that lead to conditions known as cardiomyopathies  

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A person with CHF develops shortness of breath, often when lying flat or exercising. Shortness of breath can also cause sleep problems. Or it may limit the ability to exercise. Severe swelling of the legs caused by the buildup of blood and fluid in the legs is one of the mains signs of CHF. As CHF worsens, the person can develop severe fatigue, chest pain, and even shortness of breath while at rest.




 

How is the condition diagnosed?

The diagnosis of CHF begins with a careful medical history and physical exam. It can be confirmed by tests such as an echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound waves to create a picture of heart muscle and valve function. Nuclear medicine scans may also be ordered. Cardiac catheterization, is a more invasive procedure that gives a view of the blood flow through the heart. Doctors may also use blood tests to diagnose and to guide treatment    

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention of CHF is not always possible. In some cases, controlling the conditions that lead to heart damage can help prevent its progress. For example, effective treatment of high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of CHF. Other prevention measures include:

avoiding excess alcohol intake

eating a diet designed to reduce heart disease

getting regular physical activity

quitting smoking, for people who smoke

keeping weight in a healthy range

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Left untreated, CHF can cause poor health and early death. But, new advances in treatment can help delay its progress and decrease symptoms.

What are the risks to others?

CHF is not catching and poses no risk to others.