Congestive heart failure describes a condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body, according to the American Heart Association. Congestive heart failure can result from many diseases of the heart and blood vessels including coronary artery disease, heart attack, congenital heart defects, infection of the heart and heart valve disease. Although the heart continues to pump, the blood flows so slowly blood backs up in the veins, causing congestion in the tissues. The guidelines for treating congestive heart failure depend upon the stage of the disease.
Stage A
Stage A congestive heart failure means the patient has an increased risk for heart failure but fails to exhibit any structural heart disease or any symptoms of congestive heart failure, according to the American College of Cardiology. Patients in stage A may suffer from high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a combination of conditions.
To prevent stage A from progressing to a serious stage of congestive heart failure, patients must make lifestyle changes and treat underlying conditions. Discontinuing smoking and the use of alcohol helps to prevent or slow the progression of the disease. Treating lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, and high blood pressure also helps prevent furthering heart disease. Doctors may prescribe an ACE inhibitor, a medication that blocks the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme, therefore decreasing the level of angiotensin II---a neurohormone that increases blood pressure and encourages fluid retention.
Stage B
Stage B congestive heart failure occurs when the heart exhibits structural disease but fails to produce any symptoms. Patients who experienced a myocardial infarction or suffer from a valve disease may enter stage B congestive heart failure.
In addition to the steps taken for stage A, doctors treat stage B with an ACE inhibitor medication and/or a beta blocker medication. Beta blocker medications, which include propanolol and atenolol, block adrenaline from binding to the beta receptors in the heart. This slows the nerve impulses traveling through the heart, therefore decreasing the workload on the heart.
Stage C
Patients in stage C congestive heart failure show structural heart disease and exhibit symptoms. Stage C triggers shortness of breath and fatigue, which limits the patient's tolerance for exercise and activity.
Doctors utilize several types of medications to help control the symptoms of stage C congestive heart failure. In addition to ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, patients may require a diuretic. A diuretic, also called a water pill, helps the body get rid of excess water and salts, therefore reducing the volume of blood. In addition to reducing the swelling in the legs, ankles and arms that often occurs in congestive heart failure, a lower volume of blood reduces the workload on the heart.
Stage D
Stage D congestive heart failure occurs in patients who fail to respond to treatments. Stage D usually requires hospitalization and the use of specialized treatments. Specialized treatments include the use of mechanical devices to help the heart continue pumping, a heart transplant or hospice care, as described by the American College of Cardiology.
