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.
Signs and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Introduction
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body.
Key Signs and Symptoms of CHF
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Occurs during exertion or even at rest in severe cases.
- Worsens when lying flat (orthopnea).
- May cause sudden breathlessness at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, PND).
2. Fatigue and Weakness
- Reduced oxygen delivery to muscles leads to tiredness.
- Patients may struggle with daily activities.
3. Swelling (Edema)
- Fluid retention causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- In advanced cases, abdominal swelling (ascites) may occur.
4. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- The heart compensates for its weakness by beating faster or irregularly.
5. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
- Due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- May produce pink-tinged or frothy sputum (a sign of severe CHF).
6. Sudden Weight Gain
- Rapid fluid accumulation causes noticeable weight changes over days.
7. Increased Need to Urinate at Night (Nocturia)
- Poor circulation during the day leads to fluid retention, which is released at night when lying down.
8. Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog, Confusion)
- In severe CHF, reduced blood flow to the brain may cause confusion and memory problems.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
CHF is a serious but manageable condition with early diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing symptoms early can help improve prognosis and quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611136/
- 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.