Congestive Heart Failure
More than six million adults in the U.S. have heart failure1, and is the leading cause of hospital admissions for persons over age 652.
Congestive heart failure happens when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively, which can cause your organs to receive inadequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Fluid builds up in your body’s tissue and can cause increased pressure on your heart.
Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition that can worsen over time. It’s important to work with your physician
Optima Health can help.
- Learn about Healthy Habits Healthy You – a diabetes and heart disease prevention program
- Heart Failure Action Plan
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Risk Factors
Nearly any condition that causes damage to the heart muscle can cause congestive heart failure, including:
- coronary artery disease
- heart attack
- alcohol abuse
- cardiomyopathy
- hypertension
- valve disease
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- heart defects
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Symptoms
Symptoms of congestive heart failure can range from mild to severe, and can be constant or intermittent.
Symptoms include:
- weight gain
- coughing
- congested lungs
- fluid retention
- dizziness
- fatigue or weakness
- rapid or irregular heartbeats
- shortness of breath or chest pain
- discomfort during activity
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician. Your physician can perform a physical exam and other tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure.
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Management and Treatment
Prevent your condition from getting worse:
- keep your blood pressure in a healthy range
- quit smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping
- monitor your symptoms
- contact your physician if you experience rapid weight changes or swelling
- maintain fluid balance
- limit salt intake
- manage your weight
- take your medications as prescribed
- schedule regular appointments with your physician
- Learn about Optima Health program to help you quit smoking
- Learn about Optima Health wellness and activity programs
There is no cure for congestive heart failure, but you can prevent it from getting worse. Medication, lifestyle changes, and cardiac rehabilitation are a few options. Work with your physician to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
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Additional Resources
1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-failure
2WebMD®, www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure