Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive disorder that occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood as it should to the rest of the body.  This leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the organs and extremities.  CHF can be caused by chronic conditions such as  high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or coronary artery disease and often involves swelling of the legs or feet.  CHF typically  progressively worsens over time.  During CHF, the heart enlarges, builds more cardiac muscle, and pumps faster to accommodate the lack of power in each pump.  CHF can involve one or both sides of the heart and can occur in adults and children.  In some cases, CHF can lead to kidney failure.  If you suspect you have CHF or are experiencing symptoms of CHF, seek medical attention immediately.

Cause

Congestive heart failure is caused by the stiffening of the ventricles within the heart, or the chambers of the heart that pump blood.  CHF can sometimes be caused by the inability to completely fill the heart with blood before pumping.  Risk factors for CHF include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, faulty heart valves, heart damage (cardiomyopathy), inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), genetic/congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, chronic diseases (diabetes, HIV, thyroid disease, iron or protein buildup), heart attacks, certain medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some hypertension medications, some diabetes medications, some cancer medications), sleep apnea, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, certain viruses, and obesity.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CHF include:

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• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet

• Weakness/Fatigue

• Rapid weight gain

• Increased heart rate

• Abdominal swelling/discomfort

• Nausea and lack of appetite

• Urinary frequency

• Coughing white or bloody phlegm

• Chest pain

• Difficulty lying flat due to shortness of breath

• Dizziness/confusion