Complications of Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, affects one or both sides of the body. It occurs when the heart can no longer sufficiently pump enough blood to your vital organs. Blood circulates through vessels, veins and arteries. If the heart becomes overworked, blood becomes backed up.
Causes of CHF
The prevalent cause of CHF is coronary artery disease, which causes the arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow. Coronary artery disease, along with high blood pressure, affects how well the heart pumps and relaxes as it circulates blood. Complications that arise during pumping affect the systolic pressure. Complications that occur as it relaxes affect the diastolic pressure. Both systolic and diastolic represent the force of blood flow in the arterial walls.
Other Complications
When CHF occurs, blood settles in the lower extremities, vital organs and upper body. The lungs, arms and legs are common areas affected by the condition. Bacterial infections of the blood also complicate heart performance. Doctors call this cardiomyopathy, or infection of heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy weakens the heart's muscle tissue, which is a leading catalyst for heart failure. Muscle tissue becomes overworked as it pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It may enlarge because of this as well.
Symptoms and Other Causes
Cardiologists, or heart doctors, examine the symptoms of coronary conditions to find the cause of CHF. Other causes of congestive heart problems are:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart valve conditions
- Irregular heart beat
- Emphysema and other lung related problems
- Anemia or low blood
- Overactive and underactive thyroid conditions
Symptoms are:
- Breathing problems, such as wheezing
- Swelling of the lower and upper extremities
- Swelling of the liver and abdomen
- Heart palpitations or irregular heart rate
- Coughing and fluid build-up in the lungs
- Fatigue
Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure
Doctors diagnose CHF by using stress tests, blood tests and heart scanners. They treat the condition with heart medications, diet changes and sometimes surgery. Currently, there is no cure for CHF.