Running for my Mom

Suffering from congestive heart failure can be a terrifying moment for any patient, particularly when the doctor enters the room and gives them the bad news. Many people do not know what congestive heart failure is or what it means for their life.

Whenever the heart is unable to pump blood through the body this is known as congestive heart failure. When the heart is stressed beyond its ability to function it is weak and this is when an attack usually happens. Congestive heart failure is usually a secondary disease following another cardiac condition, primarily either coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, valvular disease, or cardiac arrhythmias, with coronary artery disease carrying the poorest prognosis. Myocardial infarction, severe anemia, and renal failure usually follows a myocardial infarction.

Different effects on the body can be seen when the heart is unable to work correctly as each side of the heart has a different function. If it is the left side of the heart that has failed, accumulation of fluid in and around the lungs will cause the patient to experience difficulty breathing. If it is the right side that fails the excess fluid accumulates in the venous system, giving the patient a generalized edema that becomes more severe as their condition deteriorates.

Dyspnea is the prevalent symptom in congestive heart failure, although the severity will vary from patient to patient.~Congestive heart failure has a prevalent symptom and is called Dyspnea,this will vary from patient to patient.} Some will possess perfectly normal pulmonary function until under exertion, such as exercising, walking up stairs or mowing their lawn. These patients will also become easily fatigued due to a lack of oxygen to the tissues. Heart failure will also cause a condition known as pitting edema, in which the body retains fluid to the point that when pressure is applied to specific spot on the body the indentation remains (non-pitting edema is not caused by heart failure)

Treatment of congestive heart failure consists primarily of treating the symptoms. Expulsion of accumulated fluid in the body can be removed using diuretics which can be prescribed by your heart specialist, vital signs should be taken on a regular basis While in the hospital fluid intake and output will be measured very carefully. Patients will probably be placed in an upright position to assist in moving fluid from around the heart and lungs, given potassium supplements and prescribed bed rest for a period of time. BUN levels and serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate levels are monitered frequently by a physician.

There are several factors that contribute to congestive heart failure and, if diagnosed, should be treated and maintained. Anemia, poycythemia or endocrine disorders, drug and or alcohol abuse are just some of the factors that can cause congestive heart failure. A patient should pay particular attention to their lifestyle if they suffer from congestive heart failure. A lot of stress can be placed on the heart and lungs if the correct diet is not adhered to, a good diet plan can be established with the aid of your doctor.

While no cure exists for congestive heart failure by following a strict diet and exercise program, taking all prescribed medications regularly and maintaining a close relationship with their physicians many patients can continue to lead a fairly normal life.