According to John Hopkins medical institute, congestive heart failure occurs most frequently in those who are over the age of 60. This is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in that age group. In the United States an average of 5. 7 million people suffer from congestive have heart failure. By focusing on what causes congestive heart failure, those at risk, will be able to gain a better understanding of different preventive measurements that will help promote a healthier life.
What exactly is congestive heart failure one may ask? Congestive heart failure also called Coronary Heart failure (CHF) is manifested by the hearts inability to adequately perfuse blood to the rest of the body. Heart failure can affect both the left and right side of the heart. The left side of your heart is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs and sending oxygenated blood out. When the left side fails it gradually backs up into the lungs and blood is not pushed out; this is what causes pulmonary congestion.
When this occurs it can eventually leads to Right-sided heart failure. According to the American Heart Association when the left ventricle fails, increased fluid pressure is in effect and transferred back through the lungs, which ultimately damages the heart’s right side. When the right side of the heart loses pumping power, blood backs up in the body’s veins. What are the signs and symptoms of CHF? Signs and symptoms of CHF include but are not limited to shortness of breath (dyspnea), coughing, edema (common in the swelling of the legs), and fatigue.
Since congestive heart failure starts normally on the left side it is common for a person to have dyspnea, coughing, and fatigue. These are symptoms that are tied into lung function. In right-sided heart failure, swelling is most common due to blood backing up in the veins. This is easily seen in the lower extremities due to the fact they are the furthest away from the body according to Mosby. Although CHF is incurable there are ways to treat CHF which hopefully can give more years of life.
Once a person has been diagnosed with CHF, there are different forms of treatment, which assist in keeping the heart clear from being blocked. The first form of treatment is called a Beta blocker. Beta blockers prevent clots in the heart and keeps up the blood flow. The second form of treatment is called a Diuretic. Diuretics keep water retention down.
The third form of treatment is a vasodilator. A vasodilator dilates or opens vessels. “This is important because it puts less strain on he hearts blood flow, “according to Dr. Ross of Memorial hospital. “Although drugs can be important when it comes to CHF lifestyle changes could be the most important. ” “You can take all the medicine in the world but if you are doing things to strain your heart it strains that muscle” quoted by Dr. Ross. By focusing on what causes congestive heart failure, those at risk, will be able to gain a better understanding of the risks and that CHF can be life threatening.