June 11, 2012
Do you have a Weak Heart?
Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Nathan Ho
Dr. Nathan Ho, Interventional Cardiologist at Carson Tahoe Cardiology took a minute to answer some popular questions regarding Congestive Heart Failure.
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a condition in which your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This may occur when the heart muscle itself is weaker than normal or when there is a defect in the heart that prevents the blood from getting out into the circulation. As a result of a weakened pump, extra fluid in the circulation system builds up in the lungs, the liver, around the eyes, and sometimes in the legs. This is called fluid “congestion” hence “congestive heart failure”. Unfortunately, CHF is fairly common. Around 5.8 million people in the United States have CHF. About 670,000 people are diagnosed each year. Sadly, about one in five people who have CHF die within one year of diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure?
- Chest pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Swelling in your abdomen, legs, ankles and feet
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
What are the risk factors of Congestive Heart Failure?
- High blood pressure
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Viruses
- Kidney conditions
How is Congestive Heart Failure Treated?
Heart failure is a chronic disease needing lifelong management. However, with treatment, signs and symptoms of heart failure can improve and the heart can become stronger.
The key to treatment of heart failure is to treat the underlying cause. For example, repairing a heart valve or controlling a fast heart rhythm may reverse heart failure. However, for most people, the treatment of heart failure involves a balance of the right medications, and in some cases, devices that help the heart beat and contract properly. Medications can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and help you live longer.
Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, reducing the salt in your diet, managing stress, treating depression, and especially losing weight, can improve your quality of life.
The best way to prevent heart failure is to control risk factors and conditions that cause heart failure, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity.
Treatment can help you live longer and reduce your chance of complications
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Congestive Heart Failure, please contact your doctor. When in doubt, check it out.
Dr. Ho is a Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist at Carson Tahoe Cardiology.
Here's to Your Health 