Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

I didn't know a lot about congestive heart failure until my grandmother was diagnosed with it. The doctors were planning to release her to go home which left me utterly confused. I couldn't imagine why they were sending her home when she was dying.

Apparently, she's not going to die right away. Congestive heart failure is not like a heart attack; it's not all or nothing. Congestive heart failure is a weakening of the heart and fluid build-up around the heart and lungs. This is a condition that develops over time and can be managed.

According to the American Heart Association's Website there are five million people with heart failure in the United States and 550,000 new cases each year. There is no cure for congestive heart failure but many of these cases are treated with medications, diet and lifestyle change.

Please keep in mind this is only a guide and that I am not a medical professional. All information found here was researched from reputable medical Websites. Please direct any concerns about your health to your doctor.

Causes

The simplest way to describe congestive heart failure is to say it is caused by the weakening of the heart and its ability to function properly. This happens to each person as they age though it is often not enough of a problem to cause harm.

Some lifestyle choices can lead to heart failure including smoking, high cholesterol, high fat diet and being overweight. Diabetes can lead to heart failure as well though diabetes is not always a result of lifestyle choices.

Other factors that can lead to heart failure include past heart attacks, lung disease, anemia, hyperthyroid and abnormal heart rhythm. Past issues with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart abnormalities can also contribute to the problem.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of heart failure can be missed in their mildest form. If you or a loved one has any of the following symptoms without any other medical explaination please see a doctor as soon as you can. Because heart failure is manageable the sooner the problem is recognized the sooner treatment can begin.

Many with congestive heart failure will find the simplest activities will leave them breathless, fatigued and gasping for air. Simple chores like climbing stairs or even walking across the room becomes too much for them. The heart has weakened and is not pumping hard enough to deliver enough oxygen to the body as needed. As the blood backs up in the system fluid can leak into the lungs. Both the lack of oxygen and the fluid build up will result in trouble breathing.

Another symptom is a cough that produces pink or red mucous. The fluids building up in the lungs have no place to go and the lungs may try to rid themselves of these fluids by coughing them up. Fluid will appear in other areas of the body as well causing swollen extremities.

The lack of blood flow can also impact the digestive system and cause nausea and loss of appetite. A person with heart failure may seem confused or suffer from memory loss. Increased heart rate can be expected as the heart tries to work overtime to overcome it's weakened state. This may lead to dizziness and abnormally fast heart beat. A person with heart failure may also find their ability to exercise impaired.

Wrap Up

Congestive heart failure may be diagnosed incorrectly at first. If you suspect this problem be sure to go to a hospital that is known for its work in heart care. My grandmother was taken to the hospital three times before her condition was properly diagnosed and this put her life in danger. Any time a person has trouble breathing or heart issues it is best to go in immediately and seek medical treatment.