UNDERSTANDING CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Over 550,000 thousand cases will be diagnosed this year. About 5 million people in the United States have it and it results in about 300,000 deaths each year. Heart failure, what is that? Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood, and in other people it can’t send blood out to the rest of the body. “Heart failure” does not mean that your heart has stopped or about to, however, it is a very serious condition.

Heart failure develops over time and the pumping of the heart grows weaker. Causes of heart failure are diseases that damage the heart, including high blood pressure, leaking valves, abnormal heart rhythms or chronic obstructive lung disease and coronary artery disease.

As blood flow slows, it may back up into the tissues, and often swelling results. Most of the swelling can be seen in the feet and ankles. Sometimes fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath and congestion, especially when the person is lying down. Other symptoms can include, lack of energy, cough with frothy sputum, and increased urination at night. Other symptoms may include insomnia, fatigue and palpitations.

Congestive heart failure requires a treatment program of rest, proper diet, monitoring sodium intake, modified daily activities and medications. Including exercise helps increase muscle strength and flexibility and improves your capacity for other activities. You should talk with your doctor about congestive heart failure. With proper medical supervision, many people continue to live a happy productive life.

If you have any questions about congestive heart failure, you may call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 459-7379 or if you need information about CMC’s services you may visit its website at www.cmchealthcare.org