Congestive heart failure means that the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. CHF may develop over a long period of time, sometimes over years, or almost immediately.
“There are many different reasons that CHF occurs,” says Dr. Ali Tabrizchi, an interventional cardiologist at the Heart Center at Sinai in Baltimore. “Genetics, which are passed down through families, as well lifestyle choices, can be to blame.”
Among the possible causes:
- Coronary artery disease
- Problems with the heart’s valves
- Thyroid conditions
- A heart attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- An infection of the heart muscle
- Vitamin deficiencies
Chest pain is only one possible symptom of a heart problem. Other symptoms can be:
- Constantly tired or weak
- Dizzy spells
- Frequent urination during the night
- Problems breathing when lying down
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing when you exert yourself
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Waking at night coughing or short of breath
Based on examinations and tests, your physician will develop a treatment plan for you, which can include:
- Increased activity as recommended
- Dietary changes to reduce intake of salt and sodium
- Medication to help the heart work better
- Rest to give the heart a break
- Referral for heart transplantation
-Helene King