Conjunctive heart disease---or, as it's called more commonly, conjunctive heart failure or congestive heart failure---refers to a condition in which the heart is not working the way it should. When this happens, the heart doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen and therefore does not pump as powerfully as it should. When blood does not move through the body properly, it backs up, putting extra pressure on blood vessels and forcing fluid into body tissue.
Causes
Congestive heart failure can occur as a result of a weakened or thickened heart muscle or when coronary arteries become blocked. Arrhythmias, toxic exposure to cocaine or alcohol, damaged heart valves or pericardial disease also may lead to the condition, as can obesity, uncontrolled high blood pressure and excessive smoking. Congenital heart defects present at birth also may be to blame.
Types
Conjunctive heart failure typically is categorized as either systolic or diastolic heart failure. In the case of the former, the actual pumping of the heart is weakened. Diastolic failure, on the other hand, occurs when the heart contracts normally but is stiff, thus causing blood to back up into the lungs.
Symptoms
When the right side of the heart begins to fail, fluid accumulates in the lower legs and feet; as the condition worsens, the upper legs and, eventually, abdomen become swollen. When the left side of the heart starts to fail, it's the lungs that collect extra fluid. As a result, inhaling becomes laborious, and shortness of breath---especially when lying down or active---is common. Other general symptoms of congestive heart failure may include cough, a feeling of having a perpetual case of cold or flu, pale skin, poor appetite, fainting and fatigue.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes and medications are the regular course of treatment for someone with conjunctive heart disease. Per the American Heart Association, living with the condition means living a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, weight management and improved food habits. Drugs might include digitalis, beta blockers, vasodilators and diuretics. And medical procedures to treat the condition may include angioplasty (which opens clogged arteries) or putting in a pacemaker to control the rhythm or heartbeats. Excess fluid also may be removed from the body to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery.
