Congestive heart failure is a serious and progressive disease. It can also be fatal. It occurs when your heart muscle is no longer able to pump enough blood--and the oxygen it carries--to your body. Fluid begins to accumulate and your body becomes "congested." As with all forms of heart disease, your best defense is prevention. Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and eating a healthy diet can help prevent may chronic illnesses. When it comes to heart disease, it is also important to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, so you can take the necessary steps to avoid complications. In addition, if you have congestive heart failure, you will need to be on the lookout for symptoms that indicate if your disease is progressing. While this condition cannot be cured, it can be treated.
Weight Gain
The Palliative Care Policy Center states that as this condition progresses, there may be a substantial weight gain of up to 3 lbs. within just a few days. This is sign that your body is retaining more fluid. This will also lead to increased swelling or edema in the hands, ankles and feet. Any sudden changes to your weight or level of edema should be addressed right away.
Other Symptoms
According to the Cleveland Clinic, in the later stages of this disease you may also have difficulty breathing when lying down or with just mild exertion. Your skin may become pale and you may not urinate enough. Your pulse and breathing may become very rapid and shallow. In some cases you may also develop attacks similar to asthma, where you wheeze or gasp for breath. Fatigue or exhaustion may become severe and occur with very little activity.
Warning Signs
The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center claims that other signs that your condition is getting worse include confusion, disorientation, dizziness, fainting spells, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling or bloating, and muscle aches and weakness. You should be on the lookout for signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, changes in vision, sudden paralysis on one side of the body, trouble coordinating movement, and difficulty speaking and understanding speech. Also be aware if your skin develops a a bluish coloring. If you notice these signs, get immediate medical attention.
