About-Cardio
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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.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Introduction
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive condition in which the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood efficiently. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other organs.
Causes of CHF
CHF can arise from several underlying conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart reduces blood flow and function.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Increased pressure forces the heart to work harder.
- Valvular heart disease – Dysfunctional heart valves lead to inefficient pumping.
- Cardiomyopathy – Diseases of the heart muscle, including genetic and inflammatory conditions.
- Diabetes – Leads to structural and functional changes in the heart.
Symptoms of CHF
Patients with CHF can experience:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or while lying flat.
- Fatigue and weakness, due to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen due to fluid retention.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat, as the heart struggles to meet the body's demands.
- Persistent cough or wheezing, often with pink, frothy sputum due to fluid in the lungs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of CHF involves:
- Physical examination – Checking for signs of fluid retention and irregular heartbeats.
- Echocardiogram (Echo) – An ultrasound of the heart assessing structure and function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Recording of heart electrical activity.
- Blood tests, including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which is elevated in heart failure.
- Chest X-ray – Identifies lung congestion and heart enlargement.
Treatment of CHF
Treatment aims to improve symptoms and prolong life. It includes:
Lifestyle Changes:
- Salt restriction – Helps reduce fluid retention.
- Healthy diet – Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Weight management – Preventing fluid overload.
- Regular physical activity – Helps strengthen the heart, within safe limits.
- Smoking and alcohol cessation – Reducing cardiac stress.
Medications:
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs – Reduce blood pressure and heart strain.
- Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate and reduce oxygen demand.
- Diuretics – Help rid the body of excess fluid, reducing swelling.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) – Help prevent fluid retention.
- SGLT2 inhibitors – Recently found beneficial in heart failure.
Advanced Treatments:
- Implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators).
- Surgery (e.g., valve repair, coronary artery bypass grafting).
- Heart transplant – In end-stage cases where other treatments fail.
Prognosis and Prevention
CHF is a serious condition, but proper management can improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with a heart-healthy lifestyle, play a crucial role in preventing progression.
Conclusion
Congestive heart failure is a major health concern affecting millions worldwide. Recognizing early symptoms, managing risk factors, and following prescribed treatments can significantly prolong survival and enhance well-being.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/03/29/19/53/2022-AHA-ACC-HFSA-Heart-Failure-Guideline-gl-hf
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://hfsa.org/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2022-guideline-for-the-management-of-heart-failure
2. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.2333
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
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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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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.