An Inside Look at Congestive Heart Failure

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: May 4, 2020

congestive heart failure tampa cardio

What is CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)? – CHF is a progressive chronic illness that affects how well your heart muscles can pump blood to the rest of your body.

There are 4 Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

Stages are labeled by letter. A, B, C, and D. A is the least serious (Risk of developing heart failure) and progressing to D being the most serious (advanced heart failure).

How to Recognize Heart Failure – Know the Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Shortness of breath (with or without exertion)
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Edema
  • Rapid heartbeat (may also skip)
  • Reduced strength during exercise
  • Persistent cough or wheezing
    Pink or white blood-tinged phlegm
  • Increased frequency of urination (especially during the night)
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Fluid retention (leading to weight gain)
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lack of alertness
  • Chest pain if your heart failure is being caused by a heart attack

This is one arena where Google and self-diagnosis is not the best course of action. Although these signs and symptoms can be attributed to heart failure, there are also several other possible causes that can include other life-threatening lung and heart conditions. Please don’t try to self diagnose.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure may occur if your heart muscle becomes damaged, weakened, or stiff. Over time the heart cannot keep up with the body’s demands. Your heart can be damaged by health conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, hypertension, faulty heart valves, cardiomyopathy, heart defects that occur at birth, heart arrhythmias, and other intrinsic diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, sleep apnea, HIV, and even a build-up of excess iron or protein, alcohol use, tobacco use, and obesity.

Some medications may also put you at a higher risk for heart failure. Anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, anesthesia, high blood pressure medications, cancer drugs, neurological treatments, psychiatric meds, and even over the counter medications can be harmful over time.

Your Best Course of Action

Your best course of action is diagnosis. See a cardiologist if you suspect there may be an issue with your heart health. Once you are diagnosed treatment can begin and your heart muscle stands the best chance of halting deterioration and healing.

Give the experts at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today and schedule your screening!
www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800. Serving all of Tampa Bay, Florida!

Posted by: Tampa Cardio

On: 04/05/2020

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