Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. When this happens, blood flow becomes less efficient and a range of symptoms can appear, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in different parts of the body.

This article explains the causes of congestive heart failure, the symptoms that may occur, and how it can be treated.

What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively enough to supply the body with the blood it needs. This does not mean the heart has stopped beating, but rather that its pumping ability has weakened, causing if to not circulate blood properly. As a result, blood and fluid can turn back up into other areas of the body, such as the lungs, legs, and feet, leading to swelling.

Based on which part of the heart is affected, heart failure is grouped into three types:

• Left-sided heart failure

• Right-sided heart failure

• Heart failure affecting both sides of the heart

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can develop as a result of many different conditions that weaken or damage the heart muscle, whether due to other illnesses or lifestyle factors.

Some causes of congestive heart failure include:

• Coronary artery disease and/or a previous heart attack

• Cardiomyopathy (due to genetic factors or viral infection)

• Congenital heart defects

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)

• Kidney disease

• Obesity

• Smoking or illicit drug use

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Side effects of certain medicines, including some chemotherapy drugs

Early Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious disease, but its symptoms often develop gradually, so they may not be noticed right away. Some early warning signs of congestive heart failure include:

• Swelling in certain areas, such as the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen

• Coughing or wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Unexplained weight gain

• Fatigue or general weakness

• Increased heartbeats

• Reduced appetite or frequent nausea

• Feeling confused or disoriented

Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can progress over time. The stages below describe how the condition may develop and the symptoms typically seen at each stage:

• Stage 1: No symptoms during normal daily activities.

• Stage 2: Discomfort appears with usual activities, such as tiredness, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.

• Stage 3: No symptoms at rest, but even light physical activity (including everyday tasks) causes fatigue, breathlessness, or palpitations.

• Stage 4: Symptoms are present even at rest, and any physical activity leads to noticeable discomfort.

Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure

Treatment for congestive heart failure depends on how advanced the condition is. In stages 1 and 2, doctors typically focus on medication, close monitoring, and lifestyle changes.

Some treatment options for congestive heart failure include:

• Medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics

• Drugs to manage underlying problems, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure

• Lifestyle changes, including being more physically active, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol

• Following a heart-healthy, low-salt diet and eating more fruits and vegetables

• Medical procedures such as heart surgery or palliative care in cases of advanced heart failure

Heart failure is a serious condition that often causes few or no symptoms in its early stages, which can delay prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you notice symptoms that suggest heart failure, you should see a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Play Store.

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