Heart Failure
Heart failure or Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a term referring to a heart muscle that is weakened and not pumping properly. Heart failure can range from mild to severe. Some patients live a long time with chronic heart failure while others may get very sick.
The causes and risk factors for congestive heart failure can be varied and the heart failure often happens slowly over time. CHF is a common condition in the United States.
Risk factors for heart failure:
- Coronary artery disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Viral infections
- Heart valve disease
- Alcohol or drug use
Some symptoms of CHF include:
- Swollen legs
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fogginess
- Fluid buildup in the body or abdomen
The first step to diagnosis is an evaluation by your doctor including medical and family history, physical exam, and risk factor evaluation. No single test is used to evaluate congestive heart failure. Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest x ray, or blood tests. Some blood tests may include thyroid function, brain natriuretic peptide, and a complete metabolic panel.
- How is congestive heart failure treated?
- Depending on the cause of the congestive heart failure determines the treatments your doctor may recommend. Medications and life style changes may help control your heart failure. In the case of a viral illness time to overcome the effects of the virus in conjunction with medication management may help overcome the heart failure.
If the heart failure is due to coronary artery disease , heart valve disease, or other surgically related heart problems surgery may be recommended. Some times a mechanical heart pump such as an Impella ® heart pump may be used to help your heart before or after surgery. Some times if the heart is very a weak a specialized center is necessary to take care of the patients with severely damaged hearts.
Want to know more? https://ctsurgerypatients.org/adult-heart-disease/heart-failure
Impella ® Heart pumps https://www.abiomed.com/patients-and-caregivers: https://www.abiomed.com/patients-and-caregivers
