Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. With this condition, blood that is pumped by the heart is blocked in the veins leading to the heart. Along with the retention of fluids by the kidney, this could lead to edema, the swelling of the tissues in the body. The legs may become swollen as can the lungs, which would lead to difficulty breathing. Other illnesses such as diabetes could further amplify the effects of heart failure. According to the World Health Organization, 29.2 percent of total global deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, with heart failure as a leading cause.
Irregular Heart Rhythms
According to MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, irregular heart rhythms happen as a result of congestive heart failure. The Heart Rhythm Society reports that the heart contracts about 100,000 times each day, with a rate between 60 to 100 times per minute. If the heart beats more than 100 times per minute, it is known as tachycardia. If it beats very slowly, it is called bradycardia. Changes in the rate caused by variations in diet, activity and age are normal. When the heart starts to beat irregularly for no apparent reason, however, this signals an abnormality in the heart function and could lead to symptoms such as palpitations, heart failure, dizziness and lightheadedness, among others.
Pulmonary Edema
According to MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, pulmonary edema happens as a result of congestive heart failure. This is the swelling of the tissues of the lungs caused by a congestive heart failure and/or the retention of fluids by the kidney. Fluids are built-up in the air sacs of the lungs. This causes difficulty in breathing and coughing as well as restlessness, pale skin and a decreased level of alertness. In some cases, coughing up blood occurs.
Total Heart Failure
MedlinePlus states that total heart failure can result from congestive heart failure. This condition is characterized by the loss of the heart's ability to pump blood to different parts of the body, which deprives them of substances necessary for bodily functions. One of those important substances is oxygen. Death results when there is total heart failure due to oxygen deprivation.
