Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart encounters severe difficulty in pumping blood to the rest of the body. It is a long-term, chronic condition, though it may seem to develop suddenly. Though the condition may affect only one side of the heart, it is more common for both sides to be involved.
What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?
Symptoms of congestive heart failure vary from patient to patient, depending on which organs have picked up the slack for the heart’s insufficient blood flow. Fatigue is a common early symptom of congestive heart failure – as well as many other conditions – therefore, you may not specifically associate feeling tired with congestive heart failure, and the problem may go unnoticed Shortness of breath and coughing may occur caused by a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Other symptoms include chronic venous congestion and swelling of the ankles due to fluid retention (this is called edema). If you are experiencing similar symptoms, contact Dr. Bereliani for a personal consultation. He’ll ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
What are systolic and diastolic heart failure?
A congestive heart failure diagnosis can be confirmed if both systolic and diastolic heart failure are present. Systolic heart failure describes a heart that has difficulty pumping out enough blood for the rest of the body. Diastolic heart failure is diagnosed when the heart becomes stiff and has a harder time filling up with blood. The combination of these two problems prevents the heart from sending enough oxygen to the rest of the body, especially during heightened physical activity. As circulation slows, blood starts to back up in other parts of the body: the arms, legs, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract, causing malnutrition and a lack of oxygen to the organs. Congestive heart failure needs to be diagnosed early to prevent damage to other organs from occurring.
What causes congestive heart failure?
There are various causes which contribute to congestive heart failure. Of the contributing factors, coronary artery disease is the most prevalent. Cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle, is also common. Other possible causes include congenital heart disease, heart attack, heart valve problems, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, alcohol abuse, thyroid disorders, and emphysema. Some medications can also negatively impact heart function. Certain drugs, such as high blood pressure medications, can bring on congestive heart failure or make it worse. This is especially common for drugs that cause sodium retention or affect the power of the heart muscle.
How is congestive heart failure treated?
Depending on the specific cause of the congestive failure, there are several treatments available. ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are the two main medications given to patients suffering from congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors cause the blood vessels to widen while beta blockers stop an overload of adrenaline from damaging the heart. In some cases, congestive heart failure can be treated by making lifestyle changes. This includes customized exercise routines and avoiding foods with high sodium content. Surgical procedures are only performed when congestive heart failure is beyond medicinal therapy. If left untreated, surgery may be the only treatment option.
How can I find out more about congestive heart failure?
Call the Beverly Hills Institute for Preventive Medicine and Cardiology at 310-550-8000 or click here to make an appointment. Our friendly, helpful staff will be glad to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Bereliani, and to answer any questions you might have. We are conveniently located in the heart of Beverly Hills, within easy driving distance for most residents of greater Los Angeles.