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Congestive heart failure or congestive cardiac failure is a serious heart condition described in medical terms as the inefficiency of the heart to pump blood appropriate to the body’s requirement. This chronic condition substantially slows down the flow of oxygenated blood to various parts of the body.

The inadequacy of the heart to pump blood effectively forces the body to adjust and compensate. The body increases the heart rate and retains water and salt, which escalates the amount of blood in the bloodstream. Eventually, the heart becomes thick, rigid or enlarged; this condition is called as cardiomyopathy.

Gradually, the adjustment process of the body builds up the fluids in the abdomen, lungs, ankles, legs, or feet. This, in turn, weakens the heart further, and it becomes less capable of pumping blood, which eventually leads to heart failure.

Causes

There are several reasons that can cause congestive heart failure.

• Coronary heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscles)
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Genetics
• Hypertension
• Problem in heart valves
• Arrhythmias and congenital heart diseases
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Thyroid

Symptoms

Congestive heart failure may sometimes not present any major symptoms until the heart attack. Hence, it is significant to realize and be aware of the signs the body may show.

Congestive heart failure symptoms include:

• Cough or shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heart beats
• Fluid retention or swelling in feet, ankles or legs
• Weight gain due to fluid retention
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Inability to exercise or sleep
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Excess urination

Treatment

The treatment for congestive heart failure should be started immediately after the disease is diagnosed. The various methods of treatment for congestive heart failure are as follows.

Medication

• Vasodilators: Vasodilators dilate blood vessels. As a consequence, blood flow through the arteries is smooth and the workload of the heart is decreased. Ace inhibitors are the extensively prescribed vasodilators for congestive heart failure.
• Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers, also called as beta-adrenergic antagonists or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are used to decrease the activity of the heart and to widen the blood vessels in order to reduce the blood pressure.
• Inotropes: Inotropes strengthen the heart beats and slow down the heart rate. They provide temporary support to a weak left chamber that does not reciprocate to the regular therapy.
• Diuretics (Water Pills): Diuretics or water pills assist the body to do away with salt and unwanted fluids by way of urine passage. They make it simpler for the heart to pump and to regulate the blood pressure

Lifestyle Modifications

Congestive heart failure is a life-threatening medical condition. Along with the standard prescribed medication, lifestyle modifications are an essential part of the complete treatment cycle. Some of the important lifestyle alterations that can benefit your heart health are

• Quitting smoking
• Eating less sodium
• Drinking alcohol in moderation or giving it up altogether
• Exercising
• Avoiding stress
• Keeping a tab on your weight
• Being regular with medication
• Avoiding any supplements or medicines without consultation
• Keeping a regular watch on the blood pressure

The above mentioned changes should be incorporated into the daily routine in consultation with a cardiologist or a qualified medical practitioner to avail maximum benefits.

Stages Involved

The New York Heart Association classifies heart patients in four stages. These are as follows:

• No limitation in physical activity. No symptoms.
• Mild symptoms (shortness of breath and/or angina) and very less limitation in ordinary activity.
• Marked limitation in physical activity due to symptoms during ordinary activity (short walk). Comfortable at rest.
• Severe limitations in activity. Experience symptoms even while at rest.

Modern medical science has made huge advances in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Regular check-ups, lifestyle changes, and quick response to symptoms can help greatly in the prevention of the disease.

References

• http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Heart_Association_Functional_Classification

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