SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF)
What is congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure or CHF is a condition when the heart pump is impaired causing pooling of fluids in the lungs, the abdomen and the legs. It also leads to poor circulation and delivery of nutrition to other parts of the body.
Who can have congestive heart failure?
Patients with heart conditions such as heart attacks, ischemia (lack of oxygen), heart valve problems, or any condition leading to the weakness of the heart muscles. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and advancing years, then you should watch out for signs of CHF.
What are the signs of congestive heart failure?
The following may be present (but may also be seen in other health conditions):
Easy fatigability
Shortness of breath
Cannot lie down flat comfortably, sleeping in a sitting position
Coughing despite treatment for lung conditions
Enlarging abdomen
Swollen legs
How can congestive heart failure be diagnosed?
It is best to see an internist or a cardiologist for a check up. Tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG). chest x-rays, and 2D echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart) will be helpful in ascertaining if someone has CHF.
What is the treatment for congestive heart failure?
CHF is a condition resulting from a primary cardiac problem. Hence, the underlying heart condition should be addressed. General preventive measures that one can do include eating low salt diet, reasonably limiting the intake of fluids and promoting increased urine output. Medicines such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, digitalis, and beta-blockers are usually taken and treatment should be supervised by a doctor.
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