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 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, causing a range of symptoms.
Common Signs and Symptoms
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Occurs during physical activity or even at rest in severe cases
- May worsen when lying flat (orthopnea)
- Waking up gasping for air at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)
2. Fatigue and Weakness
- Reduced oxygen supply to muscles
- Difficulty performing daily activities
3. Swelling (Edema)
- Fluid retention in legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes the abdomen (ascites)
- Weight gain from fluid buildup
4. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
- Due to fluid accumulation in the lungs
- A cough may produce frothy, blood-tinged mucus
5. Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia) & Irregular Heartbeat
- The heart tries to compensate for reduced pumping efficiency
- Palpitations (feeling of skipped or rapid heartbeats)
6. Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)
- Due to fluid redistribution when lying down
7. Sudden Weight Gain
- Increased body fluid retention
- One of the early warning signs of worsening CHF
When to See a Doctor
If you notice persistent swelling, breathlessness, or unexplained fatigue, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Conclusion
CHF is a serious but manageable condition. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely medical intervention can help improve quality of life and reduce complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- 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
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 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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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.