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What is congestive heart failure?

When the heart pumps blood at a lesser efficiency than normal, the function of kidneys gets affected, causing water retention in the body. This condition is called 'congestive heart failure'. Due to various causes, the blood moves through the body and heart at a slower rate causing the chambers of the heart to thicken in response, thereby weakening the heart muscle.

Possible Causes of Congestive Heart Failure:

Congestive heart failure causes can be attributed to the following factors:

  • Narrowed arteries in your heart weaken your heart so that it is unable to pump blood efficiently. Most cases of heart failure can be traced to presence of coronary artery disease which reduces blood flow to the heart. 
  • High blood pressure - your heart works harder if blood pressure is high, resulting in heart failure.
  • A damaged or defective heart valve means that your heart has to put in more effort to pump and regulate blood flow.
  • Inflammation or infection or damage to the heart muscle as well as genetic factors may also play a role.
  • Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms may lead to heart failure.
  • Alcohol use - drinking too much alcohol can weaken the heart muscle.
  • Apart from these, sometimes congenital heart defects, allergic reactions, blood clots in the lungs or the use of certain medications may cause acute heart failure.

Risk Factors of Congestive Heart Failure:

When the heart is compelled to work harder than it should, you are at a risk of getting heart failure. So, let us understand the common risks associated with heart failure, most of which can be treated and are avoidable.

  • Lifestyle diseases like excessive alcohol intake, tobacco usage, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Some medications may lead to heart failure or heart problems. 
  • Sleep apnoea does not allow you to sleep properly at night as your breathing gets affected and low blood oxygen levels increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Both these problems can weaken the heart.

Signs & Symptoms for Congestive Heart Failure:

  • Shortness of breath when you exert yourself or when you lie down. Coughing at night after lying flat on bed or needing pillows under the head to sleep are also symptoms.
  • Water retention in the body resulting in swollen ankles, legs and abdomen.
  • Markedly reduced ability to exercise.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats.  
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack.

Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosis:

Consult the experienced heart specialists at Medcare to get the right diagnosis for congestive heart failure. The doctor will first check if you have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, angina or high blood pressure. Also, whether you smoke or drink or take any medication. Blood test to evaluate haemoglobin level, kidney function, thyroid function and other associated factors which can contribute to or lead to congestive heart failure.

A chest X-ray is needed as it shows the size of heart and any fluid accumulation in lungs or around heart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) helps to see the presence of any arrhythmia and any sign of heart attack. Echocardiogram (echo) helps to assess the heart’s structure, movement and function. Any deterioration in function, valve leakage or narrowing can lead to heart failure.

Congestive Heart Failure Treatment in Dubai & Sharjah:

Congestive heart failure treatment can be multimodal and staged – it includes medication, lifestyle changes and surgery if required. By treating the underlying cause, our heart specialists & cardiologists in Dubai & Sharjah are experts in the different fields pertaining to heart disease, may even improve your heart condition.

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Congestive Heart Failure FAQs:

Congestive Heart Failure FAQs:

Inclusions:

  • What does congestive heart failure mean?

    A: Congestive heart failure ensues when your heart is unable to pump blood adequately to meet the demands of your body. Treatments can improve the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and help you live comfortably longer.

  • How does congestive heart failure lead to kidney damage?

    A: As congestive heart failure reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys, it can ultimately cause kidney failure, and the patient may need dialysis to treat this condition.

  • What can I do to ensure that I do not fall prey to congestive heart failure?

    A: Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is most important. Drink alcohol in moderation, quit smoking, eat healthy and exercise. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, remember to take your medications regularly. Regular check-ups and visits to a cardiac specialist will help you to know the right measures for you.

  • What does the ejection fraction (EF) mean?

    A: EF is a measure of how well your heart is pumping. In a healthy heart, the EF is 50% or higher, meaning that more than half of the blood that fills the ventricle is pumped out with each beat. If your EF is low, your cardiologist will investigate the causes further.

  • How do beta blockers help in the treatment of congestive heart failure?

    A: Beta blockers are medications that are used to reduce the load on the heart. They slow down the heart rate and decrease the strength of each contraction. This helps your heart to pump blood using less energy. These are often prescribed for patients of congestive heart failure, and may also be used in the treatment of hypertension.

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