Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to supply the body with adequate blood. This leads to an accumulation of fluids within the body, and swelling is especially seen in the lower extremities of the body. Swelling can occur in the lungs, which can affect breathing and enhance the decreased oxygen supply. The World Health Organization reports that heart diseases are the cause of about 29.2 percent of total deaths in the world. Congestive heart failure is listed as the top category of those diseases.
Fluid Buildup in the Lungs
Congestive heart failure can lead to pulmonary edema, a condition that occurs when fluid is retained in the lungs due to the buildup caused by heart failure, according to MedlinePlus.com, which is a part of the National Institutes of Health. Swelling is also seen in the lower extremities. The kidney also needs an adequate amount of blood supply to function, and kidney functioning is affected, which further enhances the edema. The patient experiences difficulty with breathing, coughing, and decreased mental capability.
Decreased Mental Functioning
Congestive heart failure causes the failure of other organs such as the kidneys, according to MayoClinic.com. The kidneys help remove waste from the body and need a constant supply of blood to function properly. Ammonia is also excreted from the body through the kidneys. When kidney failure happens as a result of heart failure, ammonia builds up. This substance converts into a toxic form known as urea, which can affect the brain and central nervous system. MayoClinic.com states that it can result in decreased mental function.
Liver Enlargement
Fluid accumulation caused by congestive heart failure can also lead to liver enlargement, according to Mayo.clinic.com. The lungs are connected to the liver via the central veins. When pulmonary edema occurs, fluid goes into the liver, also causing congestion. This causes the liver to enlarge and affects functioning. The liver is unable to detoxify drugs and remove wastes, so excess waste remains in the system. The patient complains of abdominal pain, and yellow pigment is seen in the eyes and skin.
