Congestive Heart Failure - Medical Symptom Diagnosis

Congestive heart failure symptoms usually start slowly and may initially be observed only during times of activity. Having said that, over time, shortness of breath and various other symptoms may be observed even in the course of periods of rest. Congestive heart failure is a problem in which the heart becomes an inefficient or weaker pump. This post shares information so it is easy to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with this persistent condition and begin to create an online diagnosis making you better prepared for your visit to your health care physician's office.

This heart problem is a long-term and persistent ailment, that typically involves both sides of the heart. Having said that, the problem may have an effect on only the right side of the heart (right-sided heart failure) or the left side (left-sided heart failure). The disorder happens when your heart muscle tissue are weak and cannot pump the blood from the heart effectively (systolic heart failure) or when your heart muscle groups are stiff and do not fill up with blood very easily (diastolic heart failure).

In any form of heart failure, the heart becomes incapable of adequately pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, especially during occasions of physical exercise or exertion.

Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms and Causes

Signs have a tendency to develop slowly, nevertheless, they can develop suddenly in certain circumstances such as after a heart attack or other heart problem. Initially indications may be seen only in the course of periods of activity. As time goes by, signs can exist even through periods of rest.

Common symptoms of congestive heart failure include:

* Shortness of breath with exertion or when lying down for a period of time

* Cough

* Swelling in legs, feet and ankles (pooling of blood)

* Inflammation or swelling of the abdomen

* Excess weight gain

* Reduction of appetite, indigestion

* Irregular or fast pulse

* Low blood pressure

* Weakness and fatigue

* Heart palpitations (feeling the heart beat)

* Difficulty sleeping

* Other signs or symptoms may involve:

* Reduced alertness or capability to focus

* Reduced urine production

* Nighttime urination (the necessity to get out of bed to go to the rest room)

* Queasiness and vomiting

If congestive heart failure is seen in an infant, a parent or guardian may observe the infant sweats throughout feedings or with various other activities.

Some individuals may have no obvious signs. In these individuals, signs and symptoms may only exist with an accompanying issue such as anemia, arrhythmias (irregular heart beat or rhythm), hyperthyroidism, an infection with high fever, and kidney disease.

Congestive heart failure is frequently the outcome of a major complication of some chronic illnesses like coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart. Other causes may include an infection which weakens the heart muscle (i.e. cardiomyophathy), congenital heart disease, several heart attacks, heart valve disease, or certain infections.

Various other illnesses which may lead to heart failure involve, persistent high blood pressure (hypertension), emphysema (lung disease seen in long-term smokers), severe anemia, hyperthyroidism.

Congestive Heart Failure Diagnosis and Treatment

Analysis may start with the observation of the aforementioned signs and symptoms and ought to be confirmed through an evaluation by a medical provider. The evaluation may include a physical exam , ECG, chest x-rays, Heart CT scan, MRI of the heart, echocardiogram, angiography (x-ray of the heart and blood vessels employing a radiopaque contrast medium), heart catheterization, nuclear heart scan, and blood or urine analysis.

A medical provider should monitor your condition carefully with frequent follow-up visits (i.e. just about every 3 to 6 months). You could additionally keep track of your problem carefully and weigh your self frequently. Weight gain can indicate that your body is retaining fluid.

Home proper care includes taking your medicines as directed, limiting sodium (salt) intake, quitting cigarette smoking, staying physically active under your medical professional's direction, managing or losing weight, receiving a good amount of rest with your feet elevated.

Your medical doctor may prescribe drugs to help manage signs or symptoms such as:

* ACE inhibitors, which open up blood vessels and lessen the work load of the heart (i.e. captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril)

* Diuretics, which reduce the accumulation of fluid (i.e. hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide, and spironolactone)

* Digitalis glycosides, which help the heart muscle contracteffectively and help treatsome heart arrhythmias

* Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), that can be taken in place of ACE inhibitors (i.e. losartan and candesartan)

* Beta-blockers (i.e. carvedilol and metoprolol)

Certain drugs should not be taken as they may deteriorate congestive heart failure. These medicines include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), thiazolidinediones, metformin, cilostazol, PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil), and others. Discuss any drugs with your doctor.

By: Dr. Becky Gillaspy

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This is a serious medical condition and you will want to learn all you can about Congestive Heart Failure Read more and use a free tool that walks you through your symptoms and leads you to an online diagnosis. Prepare yourself before your doctor's visit and figure out what your symptoms means using this Medical Symptoms Diagnosis