Congestive Heart Failure
Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF), often called congestive heart failure (CHF) or congestive cardiac failure (CCF), occurs when the heart is unable to provide sufficient pump action to distribute blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition is diagnosed with echocardiography and blood tests.
Treatment commonly consists of: lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation, light exercise including breathing protocols, decreased salt intake and other dietary changes, and medications. Sometimes it is treated with implanted devices (pacemakers or ventricular assist devices) and occasionally a heart transplant.
Heart …show more content…
However, heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care.
Heart failure is a very common condition. About 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure.
Both children and adults can have the condition, although the symptoms and treatments differ. This article focuses on heart failure in adults.
Currently, heart failure has no cure. However, treatments—such as medicines and lifestyle changes—can help people who have the condition live longer and more active lives. Researchers continue to study new ways to treat heart failure and its complications.
Heart failure develops over time as the heart's pumping action grows weaker. The condition can affect the right side of the heart only, or it can affect both sides of the heart. Most cases involve both sides of the heart.
Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart can't pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
Right-side heart failure may cause fluid to build up in the feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins in the neck. Right-side and left-side heart failure also may cause shortness of breath and fatigue …show more content…
If the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood, it cannot meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen.
You may notice a shortness of breath, especially when lying down, swelling in the feet and ankles or a sudden weight gain. Understand the symptoms and how to work with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Heart failure requires you to pay close attention to changes in symptoms. Reduce your chances of hospital visits by understanding your symptoms and knowing when they signal trouble. Learn what warning signs to watch for.
When heart failure is caused by heart damage that has developed over time, it can't be cured. But there is good news. It can be treated and symptoms can improve. Learn more about prevention and treatment for heart failure.
Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions among those 65 years and older. But this condition is not limited to seniors. Learn more about who is at risk.
For advanced heart failure patients and their doctors, making good decisions requires teamwork. Learn the treatment options, the planning involved and about shared decision making. American Heart
Heart failure (HF), often called congestive heart failure (CHF) or congestive cardiac failure (CCF), occurs when the heart is unable to provide sufficient pump action to distribute blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition is diagnosed with echocardiography and blood tests.
Treatment commonly consists of: lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation, light exercise including breathing protocols, decreased salt intake and other dietary changes, and medications. Sometimes it is treated with implanted devices (pacemakers or ventricular assist devices) and occasionally a heart transplant.
Heart …show more content…
However, heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care.
Heart failure is a very common condition. About 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure.
Both children and adults can have the condition, although the symptoms and treatments differ. This article focuses on heart failure in adults.
Currently, heart failure has no cure. However, treatments—such as medicines and lifestyle changes—can help people who have the condition live longer and more active lives. Researchers continue to study new ways to treat heart failure and its complications.
Heart failure develops over time as the heart's pumping action grows weaker. The condition can affect the right side of the heart only, or it can affect both sides of the heart. Most cases involve both sides of the heart.
Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart can't pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
Right-side heart failure may cause fluid to build up in the feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins in the neck. Right-side and left-side heart failure also may cause shortness of breath and fatigue …show more content…
If the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood, it cannot meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen.
You may notice a shortness of breath, especially when lying down, swelling in the feet and ankles or a sudden weight gain. Understand the symptoms and how to work with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Heart failure requires you to pay close attention to changes in symptoms. Reduce your chances of hospital visits by understanding your symptoms and knowing when they signal trouble. Learn what warning signs to watch for.
When heart failure is caused by heart damage that has developed over time, it can't be cured. But there is good news. It can be treated and symptoms can improve. Learn more about prevention and treatment for heart failure.
Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions among those 65 years and older. But this condition is not limited to seniors. Learn more about who is at risk.
For advanced heart failure patients and their doctors, making good decisions requires teamwork. Learn the treatment options, the planning involved and about shared decision making. American Heart