What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF), which is sometimes shortened to the term heart failure, is a condition that affects 5 million Americans, at a rate of around 550,000 new cases each year, reports Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Contrary to popular belief, congestive heart failure isn't automatically a death sentence for the patient. In mild to moderate cases, the American Heart Association reports that with proper medical care, you can usually still lead a full life.

Description

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart stops pumping blood effectively enough to support the body. Cedars-Sinai states that when congestive heart failure occurs, the blood flow out of the heart decreases, while the blood flowing toward the heart stays the same. This causes the tissues to become congested. Because the heart isn't pumping like it should, the nervous system and the endocrine system begin to signal the body to make the heart pump faster and to retain salt and water in an effort to increase the blood pressure, which, theoretically, would get more oxygen to the body.

Risk Factors

CHF has numerous risk factors, most of which directly affect the performance of the heart. A heart attack that causes scar damage that affects the heart's pumping ability is the No. 1 risk factor for CHF. Heart valve disease, high blood pressure and congenital heart defects are some other common risk factors for CHF. Coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, myocartis and endocartis are also risk factors of CHF.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath and fatigue are two of the most common symptoms of CHF. These symptoms may be worsened with exertion. Edema due to decreased kidney function, which leads to water retention, is another symptoms sometimes associated with CHF. The Mayo Clinic also lists ascites, or abdominal swelling, lack of appetite, nausea and persistent coughing with either white or pink-tinged phlegm. In severe cases, an irregular heartbeat and coughing up pink, foamy mucous may occur, which necessitates an immediate trip to the emergency room.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnosing CHF is for the doctor to listen to your heart and lungs. Oftentimes, the lungs will sound crackly and the heart will sound irregular. Other tests that may be performed include a chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, electrocardiography, echocardiogram, heart catherization, chest CT scan or nuclear heart scans, states the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Treatment

A multifaceted plan is often used to treat CHF, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Lifestyle changes, including building rest into your day, limiting smoking and alcohol, and participating in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program are some of the things usually advised by the doctor. A "heart smart" diet that is low in sodium is advisable. Additionally, most patients with CHF will be placed on various medications, which may include vasodilators, beta blockers, digitalis, ACE inhibitors and/or diuretics.