What is CHF?

CHF stands for Congestive Heart Failure, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump enough blood for the body’s needs. It’s a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. CHF is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over the age of 65, and it affects an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of CHF depend on its severity and the underlying cause. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath (especially during exercise or while lying down)
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Weight gain due to increased fluid retention
• Feeling faint or weak

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

CHF is caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart attack
• Valvular heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Prolonged alcohol use
• Thyroid disorders
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea

Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure

The goal of treatment for CHF is to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms. Treatments may include:

• Medications to help reduce fluid buildup, adjust blood pressure, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation
• Lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress
• Oxygen therapy to help reduce symptoms of shortness of breath
• Surgery to repair or replace damaged valves or tissue
• Device therapy, such as an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)

It’s important for those with CHF to manage their condition with the advice of their doctor and adhere to their prescribed treatment and lifestyle modifications. By making lifestyle changes and taking medications as prescribed, those with CHF may be able to slow the progression of their disease and improve their quality of life.