Congestive Heart Failure

The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Congestive Heart Failure. I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it. As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible. I have collected this information over the years from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well.

DEFINITION
Congestive Heart Failure or CHF is a disorder where the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The body ends up not getting as much oxygen and nutrients as it needs, leading to problems like fatigue and shortness of breath. It is almost always a chronic, long-term condition that is managed with medications and lifestyle changes.

ETIOLOGY
The most common causes for heart failure are hypertension and coronary artery disease.

SYMPTOMS

Weight gain
Swelling of ankles and/or feet
Swelling of the abdomen
Pronounced neck veins
Loss of appetite
Indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath especially with activity
Difficulty sleeping
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Weakness
Faintness
Palpitations
Pulse may feel irregular or rapid
Decreased alertness or concentration
Cough
Decreased urine
Increased urination at night

TREATMENT
The goals of treatment include reduction of cardiac workload, control of excess salt and water retention [swelling, decreased urinary output], and improvement of heart functioning.

Vasodilator medications are used to reduce the work load, particularly if symptoms include difficulty breathing, excessive tiredness, and reduced tolerance to activity.

If swelling is severe, or if there are signs of congestion, salt and fluid intake may need to be modified. A diuretic may also be given. A low sodium diet is recommended and fluid may be restricted in some cases.

MY POINT of VIEW
CHF was added as a diagnosis in 1999. At that time they added Lasix 40mg QD [everyday] and K-dur 20meq QD. Even with this therapy my ankles and feet will swell if my legs are dependent for too long at a time... like sitting in a car or plane. I normally have my legs elevated when I am at home so it is not a problem normally.

So many of the symptoms above, I experience. Whether they are caused by the CHF I do not know. I do know I can get congested from time to time causing a wheeze and some SOB [shortness of breath].

2000 UPDATE
CHF remains under control with Lasix 40mg QD and K-dur 20meq QD.

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You are listening to Memories from the musical Cats, written by
Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot. I felt this song was a perfect selection
for this site because of the affiliation I feel with Grizabella. Although for her,
it was age and not health issues that changed her, neither of us are who we
were before, on the outside, and it can affect how we feel on the inside.

Disclaimer:
The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any
particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions
expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors.
No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.