What is Congestive Heart Failure?
If you have congestive heart failure, you’re not alone. About 5.0 million Americans are living with it today. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons people 65 and older go into the hospital. It can take years for heart failure to develop. So if you don’t yet have it but are at risk for it, you should make lifestyle changes now to prevent it!
Does your heart stop?
When you have heart failure, it doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped beating. It means that your heart isn’t pumping blood as it should. The heart keeps working, but the body’s need for blood and oxygen isn’t being met.
Heart failure can get worse if it’s not treated. It’s very important to do what your doctor tells you to do. When you make healthy changes, you can feel a lot better and enjoy life much more!
What can happen?
• Heart does not pump enough blood.
• Blood backs up in veins.
• Fluid builds up, causing swelling in feet, ankles and legs. This is called “edema.”
• Body holds too much fluid.
• Fluid builds up in lungs, called “pulmonary congestion.”
• Body does not get enough blood, food and oxygen.
What are the signs?
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Tired, run-down feeling
• Swelling in feet, ankles and legs
• Weight gain from fluid buildup
• Confusion or can’t think clearly
What are the causes?
• Clogged arteries don’t let enough blood flow to the heart.
• Past heart attack has done some damage to the heart muscle.
• Heart defects present since birth.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart valve disease.
• Diseases of the heart muscle.
• Infection of the heart and/or heart valves.
How is it treated?
• Rest.
• Eat less salt and fewer salty foods.
• Surgery may be needed, in some cases.
• Your doctor may give you medicine to strengthen your heart and water pills to help your body let go of fluids.
What can I do?
• Follow your doctor’s advice.
• Take your medicine the way you should.
• Weigh daily to check for increased fluid.
• Eat a healthful diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat.
What should I watch out for?
Tell your doctor right away if...
• You gain 3 or more pounds in a day or so.
• You see that your feet, ankles or other parts of your body are puffy.
• It’s hard to breathe.
• You can’t do what you could do the day before.
• You have “the flu.”
• You get a fever.
• You have chest pain.
All information comes directly from The American Heart Association ®