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. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It can be genetic, caused by a viral infection or a consumption of toxins like alcohol and drugs. There is a condition known as peripartum cardiomyopathy that can occur have a woman has given birth. Many cases of cardiomyopathy are idiopathic which means they do not know exactly why the disease occurred.
If the heart becomes a less efficient pump, the human body will try to compensate for it. The body will use hormones and nerve signals to increase the blood volume. The kidneys will retain water because the kidneys cannot dispose of excess sodium and water. The excess blood volume results in blood and increased fluid pressures to build up behind the heart. In turn there will be an excess of salt water entering lungs and other body tissues.
Because of the congestion in the lungs, you will see shortness of breath and edema. Edema is a swelling as result of the pooling of fluid present in the lungs and body because the heart is not working efficiently. As congestive heart failure worsens, the tissues and organs in the body will not receive the oxygen that is needed. As time goes on and the heart becomes weaker, symptoms will occur even when the body is at rest.
There are conditions that lead to congestive heart failure:
Coronary artery disease is the most common reason for developing heart failure. Risk factors like smoking, an elevated cholesterol level, high blood pressure and diabetes all contribute to the development of coronary artery disease.
OTHER FACTORS
* Family history of congestive heart failure
* Diabetes
* morbid obesity
* heavy consumption of alcohol or drug abuse
* Failure to follow a prescribed medication regime
* Large intake of salt in the diet.
* fast heart arrhythmia's that are sustained and significantly decrease cardiac output. Increased heart rates do not allow the heart to fill and empty properly, causing fluid build up to occur.
There are various medications that are used to treat heart failure:
ACE INHIBITORS AND VASODILATORS
These medications expand the blood vessel and decrease their resistance making is easier for blood to flow , so that the heart does no have to work as hard and increases the heart's efficiency.
BETA BLOCKERS
These are used to improve the heart's Left ventricle which is the main pumping part of the heart. The left ventricle is one of the lower chambers of the heart and is the main pumping part of the heart.
DIURETICS
These are used to help eliminate excess salt and water.
With all the advances in medicine and the medications that are available, congestive heart failure can be managed. How well managed this disease is by the physician will affect the outcome. This can decrease your longevity and also affect your daily life. Practicing a healthy life style, not smoking or drinking can reduce the risk for developing congestive heart failure. Compliance with high blood pressure medications can also reduce the risk for developing this disease. Overtime as this disease progresses, the heart becomes weaker and actually will become stiff and lose its ability to be an effective pump. Once this disease is present, it is non-reversible and it is important to preserve the heart function that you have left.