by D. P. Noe

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: January 02, 2010

A basic definition of Heart Failure is that the heart cannot pump a sufficient amount of blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure results in the organs not getting enough blood and compromises the organs from functioning efficiently. The beating of the heart is vital to any human being. The beating of the heart becomes compromised if an individual develops congestive heart failure. Over time the heart becomes weaker and weaker, and no longer can provide enough power known as cardiac output. Congestive heart failure patients need to be under the close supervision of their physician. A patient can literally drown in their own secretions as their lungs fill up with fluid because the heart is no longer functioning effectively.

If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure it is a serious and long term condition. It is vital that you follow the treatment plan prescribed by your physician, make the necessary changes in your diet, follow the recommended exercise and adjust your life style as needed. If you stick to the plan, you can still have a good quality of life. Failing to follow the plan as prescribed by your physician can have very devastating consequences.

Congestive heart failure is a progressive disease in which the heart can't pump enough blood to all of the body's organs. Heart failure usually develops slowly and becomes a chronic long term condition. It is possible to have a sudden onset which is known as acute heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a term to describe congestion where blood backs up into the liver, abdomen, lungs and lower extremities. Heart failure is a cumulative consequence from factors that have caused injury or damage to make the heart a less efficient pump. There are various causes that can cause heart failure:

* If the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked there is a decreased blood flow to the heart. this is known as coronary heart disease.

* If you have a history of a heart attack, there is scar tissue to the heart muscle and this can cause an interference with the heart being an efficient pump.

* Hypertension, especially left untreated can cause long term damage to all vessels in the body and cause the heart to work harder. This increased workload will decrease the efficiency of the heart.

* Heart valve disease due to previous heart attacks or rheumatic fever interferes with the normal functioning of the heart.

* A condition known as cardiomyopathy causes the heart to no longer be an efficient pump.

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