Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that happens when the heart is no longer able to push blood to the various parts of the body. Due to this condition, blood does not reach the various organs, preventing the transport of oxygen and nutrients in the process. Congestive heart failure is actually an oxymoron. It does not mean that the heart has failed or stopped beating; instead; the heart has stopped working as efficiently as it used to.

In North America, CHF affects more than six million people. It is the cause of more than 300,000 deaths yearly in the said continent. Compared to women, men are slightly at risk of this condition. People who have African roots are also considerably at risk of this condition compared to other ethnic groups.

Causes

CHF is usually caused by other health problems like coronary artery disease. This is a condition that leads to the narrowing of the arteries that bring blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease could damage the areas of the heart. Consistently high blood pressure could also cause CHF since the heart is forced to pump blood against a higher pressure. Over time, the heart may weaken and thus make it susceptible to CHF. In fact, it has been proven that people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are more prone to developing CHF than those who don’t have high blood pressure.

Heart attack can also cause CHF. People who have suffered heart attacks are, in fact, five times more likely to develop CHF than those who haven’t had heart attacks. Other conditions that can cause CHF include abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms and heart valve disease. Another possible cause of CHF is diabetes. Some studies suggest that CHF afflicts as much as 12% of people with type 2 diabetes. Risk factors like smoking and obesity can also increase the chances of congestive heart failure.

Symptoms

Most symptoms of CHF are delayed for years since the heart attempts to compensate for its reduced ability to pump blood efficiently. There are three ways in which the heart compensates for this—dilating or enlarging to make a bigger pump, putting in new muscle tissues so that it can pump harder, and by beating at a faster rate.

The symptoms of CHF include swollen ankles, wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing when lying down, and unexplained fatigue. Other symptoms of CHF are abdominal pain, constipation, frequent urination at night, bloating, loss of appetite, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and bluish skin around the mouth.

Diagnosis

A cardiologist is the specialist who can best provide the right diagnosis and treatment options for CHF. In diagnosing the condition, the cardiologist will subject the patient to a physical examination. It may involve using a stethoscope to determine if there are abnormal heart rhythms.

Specific diagnostic tests may also be asked to examine the valves, chambers and blood vessels of the heart. These include magnetic resonance imaging, stress tests to check how the heart performs under various levels of stress and blood tests to determine if there are infections and abnormal blood cells.
Treatment

Treatment of CHF revolves around the control of the symptoms as well as to address the underlying cause of the condition. Doctors usually ask patients to make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and losing weight. Diet is also a risk factor, thus reducing the intake of foods high in salt may also be required. Exercise is also essential to improving the overall fitness of the patient.

Treatment of this condition also includes prescription of medications like vasodilators, or drugs that dilate the blood vessels. During a congestive heart failure, the blood vessels are restricted because the sympathetic nervous system is activated. Vasodilators include ACE inhibitors, one of the few drugs that have been scientifically proven effective in prolonging the life of CHF patients. ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, captropril, enalapril, and benazepril.

Diuretics or water pills are also prescribed to CHF patients. These are drugs that can increase the level of sodium and water discharged by the kidney. As a result, the volume of blood that the heart has to pump will be reduced, thereby putting less pressure on the heart. Diuretics include metalazone, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, trimeratene, and spironolactone.

Prevention

CHF often happens to people who are overweight, smoke, drink alcohol and use cocaine. To lessen the risks of heart disease, doctors advise their patients to make lifestyle changes. The most common cause of heart failure, coronary artery disease, can be avoided by managing blood pressure. This can be done by exercising, controlling stress and limiting alcohol intake. Diet should also be watched. Limit the consumption of foods that are rich in cholesterol. Salty foods should also be avoided as well as those high in sodium like bacon, chips, ham, and canned soups. Exercise is also needed to maintain an ideal weight. At least three hours of moderate exercise should be done every week.