The symptoms, causes and treatments of congestive heart failure
A serious condition, congestive heart disease (CHF), is when the heart stops pumping enough blood through the body. This can cause serious health issues as organs in the body are not receiving enough oxygen. CHF is a condition that can be affected by anyone, regardless of age. However, it's more prevalent in those over 60 and with risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes and coronary artery diseases.
The American Heart Association estimates that approximately 5. 7 million Americans have congestive heart disease. This number will increase due to an aging population, increased prevalence of risk factors like obesity, Hypertension and diabetes. The United States sees nearly one million CHF-related hospitalizations each year. Half of those people will die within the first five years.
Congestive Heart Failure: What does it mean?
When the heart can't pump blood enough to support the body's requirements, congestive heart disease is called. It can result from a number of factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions may eventually cause damage to the heart muscle and make it less efficient at pumping blood. Fluid can buildup in the lungs or other areas of the body and cause shortness of breath, among other symptoms.
CHF can cause the heart to stop pumping enough blood to support the body's demands. The resulting fluid buildup in the lungs, as well as other parts of the body can cause shortness of breath and fatigue. CHF can also cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and palpitations.
Congestive Heart Failure: Common Causes
High blood pressure and coronary heart disease are the most frequent causes of congestive cardiac failure. CHF can also be caused by certain medical conditions like Anemia , thyroid issues, or congenital heart defects. CHF can be increased by certain Medications such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Thyroid problems
- Congenital heart defects
- Some medications
Congestive Heart Failure: Common Treatments
The cause of congestive heart disease is what determines the treatment. It can be treated with lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgery. You may need to change your lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and eating healthy foods, being more active, and restricting Alcohol consumption. To reduce fluid buildup, medications may include Beta Blockers and ACE inhibitors. If the cause of CHF is not being treated by lifestyle or medication changes, surgery may be necessary.
- Lifestyle modifications
- Medications: ACE inhibitors (beta blockers), Diuretics
- In some instances, surgery may be required
Expert opinion on Congestive Heart Failure
Experts believe that the best ways to avoid congestive heart disease is to live a healthy life and treat any medical conditions. The Mayo Clinic states that "making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising frequently, eating healthy, and controlling your blood sugar, can prevent congestive cardiac failure."
Recent research also shows that supplements such as CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acid may be able to reduce CHF risk and ameliorate symptoms. These supplements will need to be researched more before they can be used as treatment for CHF.
There are natural remedies and tips for congestive heart failure
You can reduce your risk of developing congestive heart disease and get better symptoms by using natural methods. They include:
- Healthy, balanced eating
- Healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Be careful with your alcohol consumption
- Not smoking
- Managing stress levels
- Certain supplements, such as CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acid, can be taken.
Before you try any natural treatments or supplements to CHF, it is important that your doctor be consulted.
Conclusion
A serious condition, congestive heart disease (CHF) can cause severe problems. You need to know the risks of CHF so you can take action to lower them. CHF can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. In some instances, CHF can also be treated by surgery. There are natural ways to reduce risk and ease symptoms.
The article gave an overview on congestive heart disease, its causes and treatments as well as natural remedies. This information should help you to better understand the condition as well as how it can be managed.