Congestive heart failure (CHF): symptoms, medication, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is that congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Congestive heart failure, or in medical terms it is calledcongestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart doesn't pump enough blood to other organs and tissues.

When one or two parts of the heart don't pump blood out, blood builds up in the heart or clogs in organs or tissues. As a result, blood builds up in the circulatory system.

If the left heart fails to function properly, the right heart system will become congested due to accumulated blood. Inside, the heart becomes blocked due to excess contractions to push up blood and can lead to heart failure.

Likewise, if the right side of the heart fails, the left heart will be disturbed and can also cause heart failure.

How commoncongestive heart failure (CHF)?

CHF is a condition that can occur at any age, even children, especially children with congenital heart defects. However, congestive heart failure is more common in older people, because they are more at risk of causing damage to the heart muscle and heart valves.

Changes in the heart with age also make the heart's contractions less effective. CHF is a condition that can increase a person's risk of developing heart disease.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptomscongestive heart failure (CHF)?

Heart failure is a chronic disease that occurs suddenly. Typical symptoms in people with congestive heart failure or CHF are easily short of breath during activity, shortness of breath when sleeping on their back so they need several pillows to prop their head up so that they can breathe again with relief.

Those with CHF are people who often wake up at night due to tightness and sometimes accompanied by swelling of the ankles.

The effects that are also obtained from CHF are loss of appetite, nausea, frequent nighttime urination, but weight gain due to accumulation of harmful fluids and swollen organs in the body.

When the left heart fails, blood flow to the lungs will become stagnant. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath (especially at night when lying down), and coughing. Meanwhile, when the right heart fails, blood stagnates in the tissues.

As a result, the liver becomes swollen and can cause stomach pain. Your feet and feet can also be swollen as a result of your right heart not functioning properly.

There may be other symptoms and signs that were not stated. Consult your doctor if you suspect other symptoms that may be associated with this disease.

When should I see a doctor?

Immediately consult a doctor if you find one or the symptoms of congestive heart failure mentioned above in you. The earliest symptoms of congestive heart failure or CHF usually include chest pain, shortness of breath and shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and fainting.

Call your doctor again if after treatment the symptoms get worse or have the opposite effect.

Cause

What causescongestive heart failure (CHF)?

The most common cause of CHF is coronary heart disease. Other causes of CHF are the phenomenon of tense heart muscle, high blood pressure, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, infection, heart arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), anemia, thyroid disease, lung disease, and too much body fluids.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of experiencing congestive heart failure (CHF)?

There are many factors that can cause a person to develop heart failure. One factor alone can cause heart failure, but if many elements are combined, the risk of heart failure is even higher.

Factors that increase risk congestive heart failure aka CHF is:

• Need for the heart muscle when having a heart attack. This will cause the force of your heart to contract less and less like normal.
• Have a history of diabetes. This disease can increase the risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.
• Certain diabetes drugs that function to control sugar levels can actually increase the risk of heart failure for some people. Even so, you should not stop any medication. If you are using any of these drugs, consult your doctor.
• Experiencing sleep disturbancessleep apnea. This condition can cause oxygen in the blood to decrease and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Both can cause congestive heart failure.
• Have a history of heart valve disease. This condition causes the heart to not be able to pump blood properly, so there is a high risk of congestive heart failure.
• Are exposed to certain viral infections. Viral infection can cause damage to the heart muscle that triggers CHF.
• Have a history of hypertension, aka high blood pressure.
• Are overweight or obese.
• Have a history of heart rate disorders. An abnormal heartbeat, especially when it is beating fast, can weaken the heart muscle and result in CHF.
• The habit of consuming too much alcohol.
• Smoke.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options forcongestive heart failure (CHF)?

For congestive heart failure, you have to treat the root of the disease. For example, if the cause of CHF is a problem with the heart valves, then you should have valve replacement surgery or heart valve repair.

Several medications can be used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body or help the heart contract better. Diuretic drugs help reduce the amount of fluid production in the body.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor class drugs can also help heart contractions. Drug class beta-blockers reduced heart rate. Several other medications can help lower blood pressure.

It is important to understand that all medicines have side effects, including dehydration, coughing, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Consult with your doctor about which drug is most suitable for you. If there are any disturbing side effects, see your doctor immediately.

Implants pacemaker and defilbrillator can be used in some cases. Heart transplantation is an option for patients who do not have the effective treatment methods listed above.

What are the usual tests for congestive heart failure (CHF)?

The test that doctors usually order to diagnose CHF is an extensive body examination. The examination will show changes such as swelling of the legs and hydrocephalus in the lungs.

Chest x-rays can reveal the phenomenon of an enlarged heart or signs of blood buildup in the lungs. An echocardiogram (a test that uses sound waves to see heart activity) also looks at the size of the heart and heart muscle or heart valve disease problems.

Home remedies

What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies to cope withcongestive heart failure (CHF)?

Quoted from Web MD, some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with congestive heart failure or CHF are:

• Quit smoking
• Take medication regularly even though you don't feel the symptoms. Heart damage in people with CHF is permanent. Medication only helps control symptoms, not repair permanent damage to your heart.
• Reduce eating foods with high salt content and fat.
• Regular exercise at least three times a week. However, consult with your doctor first to determine which exercise is suitable for your condition.
• Diligent medical check up see a doctor to monitor your condition thoroughly.

Consult your doctor if you have health problems that bother you. That way, you can get the best solution regarding your health problems.