Congestive heart failure is a condition in which your heart cannot pump an adequate amount of oxygen-rich blood to supply your body's tissues. Symptoms may include fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the feet and abdomen, wheezing and nausea. Coronary artery disease, damaged heart valves, high blood pressure and heart defects are some causes of congestive heart failure. Because this disease is life threatening, you should understand how to treat and cure it.
Take Medication
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can take several types of medications that are effective in treating congestive heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors work by widening blood vessels and helping to lower blood pressure, which can help improve the flow of blood and reduce stress on the heart.
Another type of medication, a beta blocker, slows your heart rate and reduces blood pressure. These changes improve the function of the heart and help decrease the symptoms of congestive heart failure that you may be experiencing.
Limit Salt Intake
Foods that are high in sodium can encourage fluid retention. Because water retention can cause shortness of breath and force your heart to work harder, Medline Plus suggests limiting salt consumption to treat congestive heart failure. Always check the sodium content on nutrition labels: you should consume 2,000 milligrams or less of sodium per day.
Do not season foods with salt---instead try adding other flavorful spices such as lemon, garlic and pepper. Be aware of prepared foods such as hot dogs, lunch meat, olives, Worcestershire sauce, cheese and vegetable juices, all of which can be high in salt.
Consider Surgery
If a damaged heart valve is the cause of your congestive heart failure, your doctor may elect to replace or mend the valve. To repair the valve, he can modify it to stop backward flow of blood, or he can reconnect or remove extra tissue or leaflets in the valves to help them close more tightly. To replace the faulty valve, a doctor will remove it completely and insert an artificial valve.
Use Implanted Devices
Medline Plus notes that doctors can implant electronic devices to help cure congestive heart failure. A pacemaker can automatically regulate your heart rate and keep both sides of your heart contracting at the same pace. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator works similarly but sends out an electrical pulse to stop abnormal rhythms of the heart.
