What does CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA) mean? Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) The Central Intelligence Agency is one of the principal intelligence-gathering agencies of the United States federal government. An executive agency, it reports to the Director of National Intelligence.
If heart failure progresses, the apnea may be so acute that a person, unable to breathe, may awaken from sleep in panic. Diagnosis. Doctors can often make a preliminary diagnosis of heart failure by medical history and careful physical examination. A thorough medical history may identify risks for heart failure that include:
However, if the heart starts to fail (congestive heart failure), there will be a change in blood pressure, which often results in serious water retention. Typically, the legs, feet and/or ankles will swell. Fluid will also build up in the lungs, giving the patient a chronic (long-term) cough. Congestive heart failure can eventually cause breathing problems, as well as excessive stress on the heart. The patient will probably be prescribed diuretics.