What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

What is Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure marks the death and causes severe retardation to millions of people each year. Congestive Heart Failure is an entirely different disorder from common heart failures. Unlike other types of heart failures, Congestion Heart Failure is a progressive process.

The heart pumps blood throughout the body to transport necessary oxygen to each and every cell, but with congestive heart failure the heart is not able to pump enough blood to maintain the required oxygen level. With this condition the heart is not strong enough to perform this task. It may be a result of weak heart muscles or the result of another heart disease. However, as a result of this issue the heart cannot circulate blood properly. Instead, the blood gets congested in the heart.  This can be a very common issue among the people above 60. It has been identified as one of the major reasons for hospitalization and death.

How does it happen?

Two things can happen in Congestive Heart failure. The most common situation is when there is a failure or inadequate ability for the left side of the heart to perform. As a result of that, the pressure in the pulmonary veins rise, forcing fluid into the microscopic air sacs in the lungs, which helps to send oxygen to the blood?  (They are also known as alveoli.) Alveoli cannot perform well with this fluid inside of them, so it reduces the oxygen intake of the body. Therefore, fatigue and breathing issues are symptoms of this type of Congestive Heart Failure.

When there is a failure on the right side of the heart, the symptoms will be different from the left. Heart failure of the right side is associated with an increased pressure on the veins. It offers resistance to the blood traveling back to the heart. Liquid begins to accumulate in the vital organs, such as the liver, abdomen and legs as a result of the blood being delayed in coming back to the heart. Swelling can usually be observed in those areas. Often both failures take place simultaneously.

Symptoms of the issue,

  • Fatigue and short of breath even after a small amount of physical activity.
  • Increased number of urinations during the night
  •  The unusual Swelling of the ankles and the feet
  • Rapid increase of weight
  • Pains in the abdomen and the swollen feeling in the stomach
  • Sudden loss of appetite
  • Anxiety and other symptoms of mental depression.

Prevention and the management of the disorder,

  • Stop smoking
  • Minimize the consumption of alcohol (at least 2 drinks per day)
  • Balance diet with low salt and fat
  • Take some quality heart healthy supplements
  • Maintain regular exercises and weight control
  • Pay strict attention to the blood sugar level
  • Maintain the proper treatments for other heart related issues.

The patients can live a long and healthy life, while taking the necessary treatments. Healthier lifestyles and practices can minimize the risk of the Congestive heart failures.
