
Must Read Articles:
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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. -
Congestive Heart Failure Survival Rate
The life expectancy for congestive heart failure depends on the cause of heart failure, its severity, and other underlying medical conditions. -
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. -
What Are the 4 Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
The four stages of heart failure are classified by the letters A, B, C and D. “A” is the least severe stage with no symptoms, and the scale progresses to “D,” the most severe, requiring aggressive medical treatment.
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- Underused Treatments Could Save Lives From Heart Failure
- Elizabeth Taylor Dies of Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:

Nebivolol 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 »

Eplerenone is used to lower the risk of death from heart failure after a heart attack...learn more »

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB)...learn more »

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure...learn more »

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB)...learn more »

Eprosartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Lowering blood...learn more »

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB)...learn more »

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure).
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Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (sometimes called an ARB blocker)...learn more »

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) and enalapril is an ACE inhibitor (ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme)...learn more »

Torsemide is a loop diuretic (water pill) that is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease...learn more »

Lisinopril 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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Benazepril 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 »

Ramipril 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 »

Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »

Phenylephrine 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 »

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow...learn more »

Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of ...learn more »

Spironolactone 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 »

Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »

Norepinephrine 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 is used to treat or prevent attacks of chest pain (angina)...learn more »

Milrinone is a vasodilator that is used as a short-term treatment for life-threatening heart failure...learn more »

Metolazone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention...learn more »

Isosorbide 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 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 »

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)...learn more »

Fosinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »

Dobutamine stimulates heart muscle and improves blood flow by helping the heart pump better...learn more »

Digoxin is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant and is used to treat heart failure.
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Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »

Hydralazine 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 »

Furosemide 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 »

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain)...learn more »

Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders...learn more »

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain)...learn more »

Propranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »

Enalapril 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 »

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »

Atenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »