The heart pumps nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to all of the body’s cells via the arteries. If the cells are not adequately nourished, the body will not work properly.
If the heart weakens and can no longer provide the cells with the blood they need, this can cause exhaustion and breathing problems.
The simple tasks of daily life may become harder. Read further to prevent or get treatment for congestive heart failure.
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Contrary to its name, congestive heart failure does not indicate that the heart has quit functioning. However, heart failure is a severe disorder in which the heart cannot adequately pump blood throughout the body.
What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?
Numerous diseases can compromise the pumping efficiency of the heart, resulting in congestive heart failure.
These are the most prevalent causes of congestive heart failure:
- Hypertension
- Heart valves disorders
- Chronic alcoholic abuse
- Coronary artery disease
Among the less frequent causes of congestive heart failure are:
- Viral infections of the heart muscle stiffening
- Thyroid diseases
- Heart rhythm irregularities
Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms and complications of congestive heart failure are as follows:
1. Symptoms
- Congestion in the lungs
- Irregular and fast heartbeats
- Fluid retention
- Congestion in the lungs
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
2. Complications
- Damages liver and kidney
- Irregular heartbeats
- Issues in lung functioning
- Lack of energy
Diagnose Congestive Heart Failure
A single test cannot diagnose congestive heart failure. Your doctor will:
- Check your medical history
- Check your family medical history
- Do a physical examination
They will check the findings of numerous tests before making a complete diagnosis.
These tests might include:
- B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Blood Test
BNP is a chemical released by the heart responding to changes in blood pressure that occur during the onset of heart failure. Blood levels of BNP rise when symptoms of heart failure develop and fall when the condition is stable.
A person with heart failure, even if their condition is stable, may have a higher BNP level than someone with normal cardiovascular function. Heart failure severity is not always correlated with BNP levels.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
The electrical impulses flowing through the heart are recorded by an EKG.
- Heart Catheterization
This invasive treatment determines whether coronary artery disease is the underlying cause of congestive heart failure.
- Stress Test
Stress tests that are noninvasive give information on the possibility of coronary artery disease.
- Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray reveals the size of the heart and any fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs.
- Echocardiogram
This test is an ultrasound that reveals the movement, anatomy, and function of the heart.
- Ejection fraction (EF)
It is used to identify whether systolic dysfunction or heart failure with maintained left ventricular function is present. Analyzes the pumping efficiency of the heart with each beat.
- Blood tests
Blood tests are used to:
- examine the function of the kidneys
- examine thyroid
- determine cholesterol levels
- determine the existence of anaemia
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment and Preventions
Impairment to the heart’s pumping function is not always recoverable. Despite this, treatments can greatly enhance life quality by keeping heart failure under control and alleviating several symptoms.
Doctors also address the underlying cause of heart failure which will lessen the heart’s workload. The doctor will tell you aboutcongestive heart failure treatment and preventions to stop your condition be more severe.
Medicines to Treat Congestive Heart Failure
Medicines that help in treating congestive heart failure are:
- ACE inhibitors
Blood flow is improved with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. If you are unable to handle ACE inhibitors, then try vasodilators as an alternative.
Prescriptions may include any of the following:
- moexipril (Univasc)
- benazepril (Lotensin)
- captopril (Capoten)
- enalapril (Vasotec)
- fosinopril (Monopril)
- lisinopril (Zestril)
- ramipril (Altace)
- perindopril (Aceon)
- trandolapril (Mavik)
The following medicines should not be used with ACE inhibitors without a doctor’s consult to avoid reactions:
- Diuretics that preserve potassium and potassium supplements
These diuretics can contribute to irregular heart rates by causing potassium to accumulate in the blood. Eplerenone and spironolactone are examples of these diuretics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can result in salt and water retention. This may diminish the blood pressure-lowering action of the ACE inhibitor.
- Diuretics
Diuretics lower the number of fluids in your body. If you have congestive heart failure, your body may hold on to more fluid than necessary.
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
These type of diuretics assists in the excretion of water and salt while retaining potassium in the bloodstream. It can be found in Dyrenium, Eplerenone, or Spironolactone.
- Thiazide diuretics
To flush out any excess fluid, they expand the blood vessels. Metolazone, indapamide, and hydrochlorothiazide are some example of thiazide diuretics.
Diuretics should be used with caution if you are taking any of the following drugs since a side effect might occur:
- Nitrates
Drugs like nitroglycerin and isosorbide-dinitrate can help reduce blood pressure.
- NSAIDs
These drugs have the possibility of being harmful to the liver.
- ACE inhibitors
Many of these medications can lower blood pressure, such as Zestril, Lotensin, and Captopril.
- Tricyclics
If you’re using TCAs, you may notice a decrease in your blood pressure. Amitriptyline and desipramine are examples of tricyclics.
- Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety medications that may reduce blood pressure. The most often prescribed anxiolytics include alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide.
- Hypnotics
Some sedatives like Ambien and Halcion can produce low blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers
Metoprolol and carvedilol are beta-blockers that can produce low blood pressure as well.
- Calcium channel blockers
Blood pressure might decline when one takes CCBs. Amlodipine (Norvasc) and diltiazem are two examples (Cardizem).
- Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and moderate an irregular heartbeat by reducing the amount of work the heart needs to do. You can get your heart medication deliveredfrom an online pharmacy.
The beta-blockers medicine includes:
- esmolol (Brevibloc)
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- nadolol (Corgard)
- nebivolol (Bystolic)
To avoid a negative reaction, beta-blockers should not be used with the following medications:
- Antipsychotics
Certain antipsychotics, like thioridazine, may also produce hypertension in some people.
- Fentora
Blood pressure may decline after taking Fentora.
- Clonidine
Clonidine may raise the chance of a slow heartbeat.
- Albuterol
A beta-blocker may prevent the effects of albuterol on bronchodilation.
- Medicines that slow the heartbeat
These can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, including a slower heart rate. An amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem, and digoxin are among these medicines.
Preventions
The most effective strategy to prevent congestive heart failure is to avoid the factors that lead to it or to properly treat them if they do occur.
- Stop smoking.
It is a significant contributor to arterial damage that can lead to heart failure. Also, avoid secondhand smoke.
- Consume heart-healthy foods.
The healthiest foods are those low in saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt. Choose fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
Along with nutrition, physical activity aids in achieving this objective and is also beneficial for the heart.
- Adhere strictly to your treatment plan.
If you have another form of heart disease or a condition associated with heart disease, follow your treatment plan.
Continual treatment and adherence to recommended medications, such as statins for the treatment of elevated cholesterol, can make a significant impact.