Congestive Heart Failure

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure, also known more simply as heart failure, is a condition in which your heart isn’t able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to your organs and body parts. 

With congestive heart failure, your heart is unable to fill with enough blood, isn’t strong enough to pump the blood, or both. 

You may be at risk of developing congestive heart failure if you have a condition that damages or overworks your heart muscle, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Arrhythmia
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy

Cancer treatment may also damage your heart and increase your risk of congestive heart failure. 

What are congestive heart failure symptoms?

Congestive heart failure symptoms may be acute or ongoing. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in your ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Rapid weight gain
• Decreased appetite
• Frequent urination

Your congestive heart failure symptoms develop due to a buildup of fluid in your body. If your symptoms include coughing when you lie down, you may have pulmonary edema, which is a serious medical condition that requires emergency medical care. 

What happens during a congestive heart failure evaluation?

The cardiology specialists at Heart & Vascular Institute conduct comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office for a congestive heart failure evaluation. 

During your exam, your cardiologist asks in-depth questions about your symptoms, medical and family history, and lifestyle habits, and then performs a physical.

Based on the information gathered during your evaluation, your cardiologist may recommend additional diagnostic tests to assess heart health and function, such as bloodwork, an echocardiogram, a stress test, or cardiac catheterization.

How is congestive heart failure treated?

The cardiology team at Heart & Vascular Institute develops personalized treatment plans for congestive heart failure based on the severity of your cardiac condition. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan may help you maintain your usual active lifestyle. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Management of the underlying cause of your heart failure
• Lifestyle modifications
• Medication to manage symptoms

The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and cardiac function. If your congestive heart failure worsens, the team may recommend the placement of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. 

Congestive heart failure is a serious medical condition, but with the right care, you can live a healthy and active life. For comprehensive cardiac care, call Heart & Vascular Institute or book an appointment through the online tool.