Heart failure impacts approximately six million Americans and about six hundred seventy thousand people are diagnosed with heart failure every year. Did you know, congestive heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization of adults older than 65 years of age?
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic health condition that affects the ability of the heart muscles to work efficiently. CHF refers to a stage where fluid builds up around the heart thus reducing its efficiency to pump blood.
Commonly, CHF develop when the ventricles cannot pump sufficient blood volume to the body and in turn, there is a lack of blood and other fluids inside the:
- Liver
- Lungs
- Lower body
- Abdomen
Types of Congestive Heart Failure
Out of right-side and left-side Congestive Heart Failure, latter is the most common type of CHF. There are two kinds of left-sided heart failures:
- Diastolic failure
- Systolic failure
However, it is possible for a patient to have both right-sided and left-sided CHF at the same time as left-sided CHF can travel to the right if left untreated.
Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure can often result from a number of health conditions that directly affect your cardiovascular system. Thus, it is important to get annual body checkups to lower your risk of heart problems. If you are unable to travel to your primary physicians, have the doctor come to you. Choose in home health care services and get elderly care at home without paying any extra money.
Some of the common causes of CHF are:
- Hypertension
- Coronary artery disease
- Valve conditions
- Thyroid
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms
While initially, it is difficult to notice any changes in the health, as the condition progresses, you will start experiencing the following symptoms:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in your ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Increasing need to urinate
- Chest pain
- Fainting, in severe cases
How is Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosed?
After you have reported the symptoms to your doctor at home, he will perform a physical examination to detect any abnormal heart rhythm. There are plenty of tests used to diagnose CHF. Some of them are:
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- MRI scan
- Blood test
- Stress test
- Cardiac catheterization
How To Prevent Congestive Heart Failure?
There are some lifestyle factors that can contribute to increasing your risk of heart failure. Here are several things you can do to delay the onset of heart problems.
- Limit your alcohol intake and try not to have more than two drinks a day
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Smoking can increase your chances of heart disease. Therefore, quit smoking
- Maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid salt, processed and high sodium food
- Include some physical activities in your daily routine
- Being obese can be hard on your heart. Watch your weight
The Bottom Line
To prevent your condition from worsening, make sure to get in touch with a doctor at the earliest. You can choose home health care services if it is difficult to travel to see a physician. The mobile medical team of Utah Doctors At Home is made up of skilled physicians, nurse practitioners and an experienced team of health professionals.
Call (385) 247-0050 today to know more about admission details.
