What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood throughout your entire body. 

The change in the function of your heart may develop because of the weakening or stiffening of the muscle. CHF can develop from many causes, including:

• Hypertension
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes 
• Heart attack
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
• Congenital heart defects

CHF most often occurs in people 65 and older and is more common in men than women. 

What are CHF symptoms?

Heart failure can cause chronic or acute symptoms. Knowing what to look for may help you get the expert care you need early. Common congestive heart failure symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath during activity
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or belly
• Coughing or wheezing
• Feeling tired or run-down
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sudden weight gain
• Difficulty breathing when lying down or sleeping
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating

If you have concerns about heart health and CHF, the experienced cardiovascular team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut offers state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your heart and can provide answers to your health concerns.

How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?

Your specialist at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut conducts a comprehensive examination to diagnose CHF. During the exam, your specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms, and then performs a physical exam, paying close attention to the sound of your heart and lungs.

They may recommend diagnostic tests to further evaluate your heart and confirm or rule out CHF. Testing may include:

• Blood work
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test
• CT scan or MRI
• Coronary angiogram
• Biopsy of your cardiac tissue

Based on the results of your cardiac testing, your doctor can determine the cause of your CHF and then classify it into a category based on the severity of your symptoms. 

What are CHF treatments?

HeartCare Associates of Connecticut has an office-based Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center, where they provide individualized care for CHF using the most advanced tools and techniques. 

Your CHF treatment plan may depend on the severity of your symptoms and your classification. Congestive heart failure treatment options may include:

• Diet modification
• Lifestyle changes
• Prescription medication

In some cases, you may need surgery to treat the underlying cause of your congestive heart failure. For example, you may benefit from coronary bypass surgery if your CHF is due to blocked arteries. 

The team may also recommend the placement of various devices to regulate the rhythm of your heart to improve heart health and your CHF symptoms.

To schedule an evaluation with the experts at the Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center, contact HeartCare Associates of Connecticut by phone or online today.