Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition in which a person's heart is failing and it can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Sometimes people with CHF don't know they have it. Early signs and symptoms symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, and having problems breathing; especially when lying down. And, if you have breathing problems like asthma, COPD, or emphysema and you think your condition is worsening. There are four stages of CHF. There's no cure for CHF, but treatments include drug therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes to relive symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Life expectancy depends on existing medical problems, age, and overall health.
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Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The primary cause of ascites is liver disease such as; cirrhosis, acute liver failure (Tylenol, acetaminophen overdose), Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cancer. Other causes of ascites include congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatic disorders, diseases of the ovary, hypothyroidism, and direct irritation of the peritoneum. Symptoms of ascites include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and edema (swelling). Treatment for ascites depends on the cause. -
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) describes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with medications or surgery. There are many causes of atrial fibrillation, for example, pneumonia, heart disease, alcohol use, and thyroid problems. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain and/or angina, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Atrial fibrillation is managed and treated with medication, medical procedures, and surgery. -
Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia, that is, an irregularity in the beating of the heart. Symptoms of atrial flutter include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, and a fluttering feeling in the chest. Causes of atrial flutter include heart disease, hypertension, heart muscle disease, heart abnormalities, substances, and diseases that affect other areas of the body. Treatment of atrial flutter includes defibrillation and medication. -
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that can be caused by a variety of other diseases, conditions, medications, and heredity. Cardiomyopathy causes can be categorized in several ways. One classification system is primary and secondary cardiomyopathy, another is extrinsic or intrinsic. The most common symptoms of cardiomyopathy are shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment is generally directed toward the underlying cause of the disease. Prognosis can be very good, or in some cases very poor with heart transplant as the only option. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
Heart Attack
A heart attack is an interruption in blood flow to the heart muscle. Arterial plaque rupture is often the cause of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. Emergency heart catheterization and thrombolytic therapy may be used to treat a heart attack. -
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of different types of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease depend on the cause and inclue chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Many conditions causes heart disease, for example, genetics, obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for heart disease depend on the cause and include diet and other lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and surgery. The prognosis (outlook) and life span for someone with heart disease varies depending on the cause. -
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) may be present in an individual, without any symptoms. Thus, it is called the "silent killer." Causes of high blood pressure include heart disease, kidney disease, tumors, birth control, alcohol, thyroid dysfunction, and birth control pills.Treatment of high blood pressure is generally through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. -
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP, click-murmur syndrome, Barlow syndrome) is a condition in which parts of the mitral valve in the heart are too large. Because of this, the valve closes unevenly, causing backwards leaking of blood. This serious condition, which may be inherited, can cause symptoms of chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and others. Treatment includes beta blockers, avoiding stimulants, and occasionally surgery. -
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is an excess of fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of pleural effusion: transudate and exudate. The treatment of pleural effusion depends on the cause. -
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema is a collection of excess fluid in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is classified as either cardiogenic (caused by heart problems) and non-cardiogenic. The primary symptom of pulmonary edema is shortness of breath. Pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening medical situation. The treatment for pulmonary edema can be ICU care in some cases, and medication in other cases. -
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is an abnormally high pressure in the pulmonary arteries leading from the heart to the lungs. Primary pulmonary hypertension has no underlying condition that has caused this condition. Secondary pulmonary hypertension is caused by other underlying conditions. Treatment depends on the cause of the underlying condition, or the condition of primary pulmonary hypertension. -
Ventricular Septal Defect
Ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart condition in which there is a hole in the wall separating the ventricals, the two lower chambers of the heart. The hole allows oxygenated blood to mix with unoxygenated blood and recirculate. Left untreated by corrective surgery, this can cause the heart to work so hard it fails, along with a host of other problems including pulmonary hypertension.
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Pulmonary edema is a collection of excess fluid in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is classified as either cardiogenic (caused by heart problems) and non-cardiogenic. The primary symptom of pulmonary edema is shortness of breath. Pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening medical situation. The treatment for pulmonary edema can be ICU care in some cases, and medication in other cases.
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
NebivololNebivolol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attac...learn more »
EplerenoneEplerenone is used to lower the risk of death from heart failure after a heart attack...learn more »
OlmesartanOlmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications...learn more »
TelmisartanTelmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), sometimes in combination with other blood pressure medications...learn more »
CandesartanCandesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the r...learn more »
EprosartanEprosartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other b...learn more »
IrbesartanIrbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow...learn more »
ValsartanValsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Valsartan is sometimes given together wit...learn more »
CarvedilolCarvedilol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure).
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LosartanLosartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (sometimes called an ARB blocker)...learn more »
Hydrochlorothiazide And EnalaprilHydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) and enalapril is an ACE inhibitor (ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme)...learn more »
TorsemideTorsemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine...learn more »
LisinoprilLisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
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BenazeprilBenazepril is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart at...learn more »
RamiprilRamipril is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart atta...learn more »
BisoprololBisoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
PhenylephrinePhenylephrine is a decongestant that is used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies...learn more »
AmlodipineAmlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow...learn more »
TriamtereneTriamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting to...learn more »
SpironolactoneSpironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting...learn more »
QuinaprilQuinapril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »
NorepinephrineNorepinephrine is similar to adrenaline. It is used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure (hypotension) that can occur with certain medical condition...learn more »
Nitroglycerin (oral/sublingual)Nitroglycerin is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina)...learn more »
MilrinoneMilrinone is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood...learn more »
MetolazoneMetolazone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention...learn more »
Isosorbide MononitrateIsosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate that dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump......learn more »
Isosorbide DinitrateIsosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate that dilates (widens) blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them and easier for the heart to pump...learn more »
HydrochlorothiazideHydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention...learn more »
FosinoprilFosinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »
DobutamineDobutamine stimulates heart muscle and improves blood flow by helping the heart pump better...learn more »
Digoxin (oral)Digoxin is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant and is used to treat heart failure.
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MetoprololMetoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
HydralazineHydralazine is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blo...learn more »
FurosemideFurosemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt. This allows the salt to instead be passed in your urine......learn more »
NifedipineNifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain)...learn more »
Verapamil (oral)Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders...learn more »
DiltiazemDiltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain)...learn more »
PropranololPropranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
EnalaprilEnalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart att...learn more »
CaptoprilCaptopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »
AtenololAtenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) is a tool used to assist in diagnosing heart diseases and conditions, for example, atrial and ventricular fibrillation, heart at...learn more »
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cou...learn more »
Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris is a term to describe chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common)...learn more »
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. ...learn more »
Obesity
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society ...learn more »
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Hemoglobin A1c (hemoglobin A1c) is a test used at times to monitor blood glucose in people with diabetes. HbA1c is a long-term indicator of blood glucose contro...learn more »
Emphysema
Emphysema a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs. The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Causes and risk factors for emphysema incl...learn more »
Hardening of the Arteries
Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, ...learn more »
Anemia
Anemia can be caused by many conditions and diseases such as iron deficiency, poor diet and nutrition, cancers, bone marrow problems, and more. Symptoms of anem...learn more »
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, angina, blood clot formation, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Causes of high cholesterol inclu...learn more »
Chest X-Ray
Chest X-ray is a common procedure ordered to diagnose certain diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, emphysema, lung masses or nod...learn more »
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, ...
learn more »
Advance Directives
Advance directives center around the principles of your right to die and death with dignity. A living will tells doctors what life-prolonging treatments to perf...learn more »
Hospice
Although hospice is an idea not dependent on a particular place or facility, hospice is delivered to the patient and the family at a place. The place is most...
learn more »
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition in which there is a long-lasting obstruction of the airways, and occurs with emphysema, chronic...learn more »
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are conditions that causes changes in the normal heartbeat. There are numerous types of arrhythmias, for example, ...
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