Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure occurs when the heart is not pumping normally.
· The heart works as a pump to deliver blood to the lungs to be filled with oxygen and then to the rest of the body for delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients.

Congestive Heart Failure is the condition when pumping(blood flow) is not within an acceptable range.
· The severity can range from no symptoms, to minor fluid build up in the feet to essentially having shortness of breath while lying down.

Congestive Heart Failure can develop slowly over years or quickly in a manner of hours.
· For example; a heart attack can significantly decrease the heart function(the pumping ability of the heart) and this can occur quickly.
· Untreated high blood pressure can slowly and progressively harm the heart and decrease the function of the heart.

Congestive Heart Failure can result in ankle and leg swelling, shortness of breath or chest fullness or chest pain.

Congestive Heart Failure can develop from:
· high blood pressure
· heart attack
· medication side effect
· an infection of the heart such a viral infection that infects the heart muscle.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
· If you have symptoms of heart failure you must seek medical attention.
· Appropriate medical treatment can potentially improve heart function and can be life saving.

Posted on February 10, 2009

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