Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), also known as heart failure, occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently. This condition leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and abdomen.

At HeartCare Texas, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to patients living with CHF. Our team of experienced cardiologists employs state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatment strategies to help manage CHF effectively. We focus on optimizing heart function, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life for our patients.
 

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a critical condition wherein the heart's muscle weakens. This prevents it from adequately circulating oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

The heart does not completely stop functioning, though. Rather, CHF signifies an impairment in the heart’s pumping mechanism, which can prove fatal if left untreated.

What are the risk factors for congestive heart failure?

CHF stems from various risk factors that progressively damage the heart muscle, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and reduced blood flow to vital organs. These risk factors include:

• Previous heart attack
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heavy alcohol use
• Faulty heart valves
• Inflammation in the heart muscle

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

Signs of congestive heart failure can be mild or severe, constant or inconsistent. In fact, there could be several possibilities of not detecting the symptoms because of its mild nature.

Here are a few common CHF symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Weight gain
• Swollen ankles, legs, abdomen
• Nausea
• A bloated stomach
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
   

Congestive heart failure treatment at HeartCare Texas

At HeartCare Texas, our approach to managing CHF begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood tests, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization. 

Based on the severity of your condition, our CHF treatment options may include:

• Medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors, or ARB and newer medications as recommended by the ACC/AHA guidelines.
• Surgical interventions or implantable devices
• Lifestyle changes

These are tailored to address individual needs and optimize patient outcomes.