Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a severe heart condition, which has major impact on the functioning of the heart. Cardiologists at AMRI Hospitals, one of the best heart hospital in Kolkata, explain that it means, the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal. There are a number of diseases that impair the pumping efficiency of the heart and lead to congestive heart failure.
Early signs and symptoms that indicate a risk of congestive heart failure include:
- Breathlessness: It is mainly caused when the blood starts backing up in the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart
- Persistent coughing or wheezing: A common sign, which indicates an inadequate supply of blood from the heart to the lungs
- Dizziness and fatigue: Fatigue is usually a result of an inadequate supply of blood to the muscles
- Issues related to digestion: These issues indicate that your digestive system is not getting proper blood flow
- Confusion: The lack of blood flow builds up certain substances like sodium, which lead to thinking impairments
- Increased heart rate: Racing heartbeat is an indication of the heart trying to compensate for the lack of blood flow
- Swelling and fluid in tissues: Swelling can occur due to slow blood flow, which builds up fluids in the tissues. Your kidneys are unable to dispose of water properly when the blood flow is reduced
What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?
Coronary Artery Disease: Also known as ischemic heart disease (IHD), Coronary Artery disease is mainly caused due to accumulation of fatty deposits (atheroma) on the artery walls around the heart. According to Cardiologists at AMRI Hospitals, it mainly affects the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle
Heart attack: Also known as a myocardial infarction, heart attacks claim several lives every year across the globe. They mainly occur due to an obstruction caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery, supplying blood to the heart muscle. It is basically the death of a segment of the heart muscles due to loss of blood supply. They also occur due to narrowing down of the coronary arteries due to build-up of plaque
Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle, Cardiomyopathy enlarges or thickensheart muscles, making them more rigid than is normal. In a few cases, the muscle tissue in the heart is replaced with scar tissue. Doctors at AMRI Hospitals warn that your heart becomes weaker as cardiomyopathy worsens
Other Causes: Several other health conditions, like high blood pressure, valve disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart defects have a direct association with the risk of Congestive Heart Failure.
