What is Congestive Heart Failure?
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Video Description:This commonly misunderstood disease affects 5 million Americans. Let's take a closer look at congestive heart failure.
Transcript:Congestive Heart Failure affects over 5 million Americans, but it is still the most commonly misunderstood kind of heart disease. So what exactly is Congestive Heart Failure? Congestive Heart Failure is a condition in which the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal, and cannot pump enough blood and oxygen throughout the body. When the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as usual, the movement of blood through the body slows. At this point, blood begins to back up in the veins returning to the heart, which causes congestion in the chest tissue. It is from this feeling of congestion that congestive heart failure gets its name. The most common cause of Congestive Heart Failure is coronary artery disease, the same condition responsible for Angina and Heart Attack. Events which damage the heart, such as a heart attack can also lead to congestive heart failure. As well, congestive heart failure often comes about when a patient has a condition that chronically overworks the heart, like high blood pressure or diabetes. One of the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure is water retention, which occurs because of the reduced blood flow to the kidneys. This water retention causes swelling, known as Edema, which occurs most commonly in the legs and ankles. Other typical symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, congested lungs, fatigue, and an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Doctors who suspect that a patient has CHF can attempt to confirm that diagnosis with a variety of blood tests or an EKG, which measures and charts the electrical impulses traveling through the heart. Managing Congestive Heart Failure begins with some lifestyle changes. Patients can improve their quality of life by adopting a healthy diet low in sodium and cholesterol, A moderated approach to daily life, with planned rest and the careful avoidance of overexertion is recommended. As well, several kinds of medication can be helpful, including beta-blockers to improve the heart’s pumping action If a specific cause for the Heart Failure can be discovered your doctor will treat that root cause. In some cases a surgical procedure can be the best course of action, such as when the patient has a defective heart valve or when a heart transplant is necessary. Most people with mild to moderate Congestive Heart Failure can lead normal and productive lives, especially if the disease is found in its earliest stages. If you suspect you may be suffering from CHF or have concerns about your heart health, please seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, check out other videos and sources on this subject.
Category:Heart Health/Heart Disease
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