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Congestive Heart Failure — What you need to know

Congestive Heart Failure — What you need to know

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and clinical signs of congestion leading to frequent hospitalizations, poor quality of life, and shortened life expectancy. Even though it may sound like it, congestive heart failure does not necessarily mean that the heart has failed. However, it is a condition where the heart muscle does not pump blood around the body efficiently leading to inadequate delivery of nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. It is not a heart attack
HF can be life-threatening but, with the right treatment, the patient can still lead an enjoyable, meaningful, and productive life. If you or someone near you has this problem, seek immediate medical treatment at Ojas Hospital, the best heart hospital in Tricity.

Types of Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure can be classified as predominantly left ventricular (most common), right ventricular or biventricular based on the location of the deficit. Depending on the time of onset, HF is classified as acute or chronic.
There are two types of Congestive heart failure:-
  • Systolic heart failure:- It occurs when heart unable to pump efficiently after filling with blood. It often occurs if the heart is weak or enlarged.
  • Diastolic Heart Failure:- It is commonly seen in females and elderly population in which heart muscles become stiffer than normal, causing an increase in the pressure and under filling of the blood in the ventricles which cause symptoms.
Right-sided CHF occurs when the right ventricle does not supply enough blood to your lungs. Blood starts back up into your blood vessels, which causes fluid retention in your lower extremities, stomach, and other essential parts of the body.
It’s possible to have both types of heart failure at the same time. Usually, the disease starts from the left side and move towards the right side when left untreated.

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in adults

You only notice changes in your health when the condition progresses though, at earlier stages, you may not see any symptoms for congestive heart failure.

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in infant and children

For infants and children, you may notice the following symptoms that indicate CHF-
  • Sweating in excess
  • Problem in breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Poor growth
  • Rapid heart rate
It is difficult to identify these symptoms in infants and children, and also you can misunderstand it with respiratory infection or colic.

Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

  • Class-I:- At this stage, this heart failure is manageable through changes in daily activities, heart medications, and monitoring. There are no symptoms until this stage.
  • Class-II:- At this stage, you experience some symptoms that can be shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and palpitations.
  • Class-III:- This stage should not be taken lightly, and you should immediately consult your doctor. You have a lot of difficulties to do physical tasks at this stage and experience shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue for just mild physical activities.
  • Class-IV:- It is worst and advanced stage of HF with no cure though you can improve on palliative care and quality of life. You notice symptoms for even minor tasks, even while resting.

Causes of Congestive heart failure

Heart failure is caused by any conditions that damage the heart muscle. These include:

Coronary artery disease

In these arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or the flow is reduced, the heart does not receive the blood supply it needs.

Cardiomyopathy

In this damage to the heart muscles are not due to artery or bloodflow problems; for instance, caused by drug side effects or infections .

Hypertension

In this condition, your blood pressure is higher than average. It can be for different reasons, from which one is narrowing of arteries that obstruct the blood flow.

Valve conditions

The function of heart valves is to regulate the flow of blood through the heart by opening and closing. There can be conditions of valves by which valves open and close incorrectly to give difficulty to your ventricles to work harder for pumping blood.

Risk factors for congestive heart failure

  • Diabetes — Especially diabetes type 2
  • Obesity — People who are both obese and have diabetes type 2 have an increased risk.
  • Smoking — People who smoke regularly are at higher risk of developing HF.
  • Anaemia
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Myocarditis — Inflammation of the heart muscle, usually caused by a virus.
  • Heart arrhythmias — Abnormal heart rhythms, may cause the heart to beat too fast, creating more work for the heart. Eventually, the heart may weaken, leading to heart failure.

Diagnosis for Congestive Heart Failure

If you have above-mentioned symptoms, immediately consult the doctor, and if he suspects heart failure, he will recommend further tests, which include:
If needed other additional tests like- coronary angiogram,cardiac MRI,stress test etc. which all we are doing in ojas hospital.

Prevention for Congestive Heart Failure

There are many lifestyle changes that reduce the chances of developing heart failure, or at least slow down its progression. These include:
  • Give up smoking.
  • Eat sensibly, this includes plenty of fruit and vegetable, good quality fats, unrefined carbohydrates, whole grains, and the right amount of daily calories.
  • Exercise regularly and stay physically active.
  • Keep blood pressure low.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Quit alcohol, or at least consume alcohol within the national recommended limits.
  • Get at least 7 hours good quality sleep each night.
  • Mental stress may be bad for the heart over the long-term.
  • Individuals who already have heart failure should be up-to-date with their vaccinations and have a yearly flu shot.

Ojas Hospital — Best Heart Hospital in Chandigarh

Ojas Hospital is one of the best and advanced hospitals for the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Our in-house amenities include ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, and general laboratory for tests that are helpful for patients.
Moreover, our trauma centre is full-fledged to treat patients in an emergency. We ensure to provide proper treatment to save the valuable life of patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF).
Our heart doctors in the hospital comprehend fully about types, causes, symptoms, and stages of congestive heart failure (CHF) to do counselling with patients for their safety.
Ojas Hospital is a symbol of hope for those in despair by congestive heart failure to avail of the right treatment under the care of responsible heart specialist.
If you are doubtful of congestive heart failure or already suffering from it, immediately meet our heart care specialist in hospital for your treatment.

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