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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic Congestive Heart Failure (ICD-10)
Introduction
Chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) is a long-term condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. It leads to fluid buildup in the lungs and other tissues. In the ICD-10 classification system, CHF is primarily coded as I50.9 (Heart failure, unspecified), though more specific codes exist based on the type and severity of heart failure.
Causes and Risk Factors
CHF often develops due to underlying conditions such as: - Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Coronary artery disease (CAD) - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) - Diabetes mellitus - Valvular heart disease - Cardiomyopathy
Symptoms
Common symptoms of CHF include: - Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical exertion or while lying down - Fatigue and weakness - Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, and feet - Rapid or irregular heartbeat - Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink-tinged mucus - Frequent urination at night
Diagnosis
CHF is diagnosed using clinical evaluation and tests such as: - Echocardiography (Echo) – assesses heart function and ejection fraction (EF) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – detects arrhythmias and ischemia - Chest X-ray – reveals fluid accumulation in the lungs - BNP/NT-proBNP blood test – identifies heart failure biomarkers - Cardiac MRI or CT scan – provides additional structural details
Treatment Approaches
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Dietary changes: Low-sodium diet, fluid restriction
- Physical activity: Regular but moderate exercise
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Medications:
- ACE Inhibitors / ARBs – help reduce blood pressure and ease the heart's workload
- Beta-blockers – slow the heart rate and reduce stress on the heart
- Diuretics – help reduce fluid buildup
- Aldosterone antagonists – decrease fluid retention
- SGLT2 inhibitors – beneficial in heart failure management
Advanced Therapies:
- Implantable devices (ICD, CRT) for severe HF
- Heart transplantation in end-stage cases
Conclusion
CHF is a serious but manageable chronic condition with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. Early detection and adherence to medical recommendations significantly improve quality of life and outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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