Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the organs of the body. Many diseases that damage the heart can cause CHF. Long-term high blood pressure can thicken the heart muscle, making it too bulky and boggy to pump. Heart attacks cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, which can also lead to pumping problems. When the forward pumping mechanism of the heart fails, sufficient blood supply may not reach the kidneys, which then fail to produce normal volumes of urine. This may result in a circulatory system overloaded with fluid.
Treatment
Doctors use four main medications to help the heart pump more effectively or to decrease the amount of fluid in the circulatory system: Diuretics effectively remove fluid from the body by forcing the kidneys to make more urine. ACE inhibitor drugs lower the pressure in the circulatory system, which allows the heart to pump under less resistance. Low-dose b-blocker drugs take pressure off the heart and allow it to pump more effectively. And digitalis makes the heart pump with more force. The treatment of CHF is complex and always requires medical attention.
If you have CHF, always remember to take your life-sustaining medicines—even on vacation. Remember that when the heart is not pumping effectively, fluid may build up in the lungs, extremities, or internal organs. This will make your weight rise without an increase in calories.
A good way to follow your CHF is weigh yourself daily. If it starts to rise, you may need to see a doctor for a medication adjustment. Delay may lead to an acute exacerbation of CHF, which can be life threatening. Other symptoms of fluid overload may be chest and neck fullness, fatigue, lightheadedness, or a rapid heart rate. Also, if the liver becomes overloaded with fluid, you may experience a sensation of right upper abdominal fullness or pressure. Under these circumstances, always consult with a doctor immediately.
