Most people get alarmed when they hear the words "congestive heart failure", especially when they are told it's a condition a loved one has, or worse, they themselves have. Though this particular condition is considered by doctors as serious, its life-threatening complications can be controlled or delayed for many years if it is diagnosed in its earlier stages.
What exactly is congestive heart failure, and what causes it?
The heart's primary function is to pump blood to the lungs to be able to pick up oxygen. Once the oxygenated blood is returned to the heart, it is then pumped out into the circulatory system of blood vessels and redistributed to the other parts of the body.
Heart failure happens when the organ either fails to pump blood out with enough force or can't be filled with enough blood. This type of heart condition results when, because of the heart's incapacity to pump as well as it should, blood is not efficiently distributed throughout the body and, along with other fluids, starts to back up.
Some of the many factors that can cause congestive heart failure include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Diabetes
• Diseases or infections that can weaken or stiffen the heart muscles
• Diseases that demand a level of oxygen the heart cannot supply continuously
• High blood pressure that can cause the thickening of the heart muscles
• Constant exposure to toxins like tobacco, cocaine, or alcohol
• Prolonged cardiac arrhythmia and damaged heart valves
• Unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking and lack of regular exercise
It is said that each year, in the United States alone, an average of 550,000 people join the 5 million individuals who already have congenital heart failure. Though this condition is more common among people ages 65 and above, it can strike anyone at any age. Its effects can be devastating, especially if undetected, so it is best to be armed with knowledge when it comes to identifying the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
There are four congestive heart failure stages, each one with more devastating symptoms than the last, and though there is no known and definite cure to this condition, there are treatments that can help improve an individual's state so long as they are still at its earlier stages.
So what are its most common and earliest symptoms? If you are experiencing most, if not all, of the signs below, then it is time to consult your healthcare provider:
• Shortness of breath
When there is fluid back up in the lungs, shortness of breath results. A person with congestive heart failure experiences shortness of breath during exercise or even while at rest.
• Fatigue
Patients experience fatigue even after light activities. The ability to cope up with daily chores or exercise may be diminished.
• Swelling of the ankles, legs, or abdomen
This is mostly caused by fluid retention in the body.
• Chest pains, persistent cough, and decreased level of alertness
Knowing the causes and symptoms of congestive heart failure will greatly help you determine if the condition exists early on, thus allowing you to seek medical help while you still can.
Molly Sanders is a fitness enthusiast who occasionally writes for Symptoms for Congestive Heart Failure. She is a firm believer of healthy living and, despite a busy schedule babysitting active grandchildren,finds time to help educate people on congestive heart failure stages to promote awareness of serious heart conditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment