Congestive
heart failure (CHF for short) affects 1 to 2 million individuals in
the America. In short, CHF occurs when a person's heart doesn't pump
as much blood as it should. There are many possible treatments available
for CHF.
The heart is a pump that helps blood circulate throughout the body
in order to supply oxygen and nutrition to the tissues. If the heart
is damaged or abnormal, it may not be able to effectively perform
its role and CHF can occur. Occasionally, CHF can occur because of
sudden damage to the heart, such as during a heart attack. Most often,
however, CHF is due to chronic stressors that weaken the heart.
The
most common cause of CHF is high blood pressure in conjunction with
clogging and hardening (or "atherosclerosis") of the arteries.
High blood pressure causes the heart to pump extra hard in order to
get enough blood circulating. After years of having to work against
high blood pressure, the heart muscle starts to get bigger and thicker
- just like someone who lifts heavy weights gets big muscles. With
the heart, this is not a good thing, however. Eventually, the heart
is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands - this is
when CHF occurs. Symptoms of CHF include fatigue, trouble breathing
and swelling of the legs from fluid retention.
Once the diagnosis of CHF is made, several different treatment strategies
may be used. First, any factors that contribute to heart disease must
be addressed. People are advised to quit smoking and may need to take
medications to control diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
levels. Strict, low-salt "cardiac" diet and exercise regimens
are also commonly advised to improve overall health and prevent further
weakening of the heart.
Other medications that are used to treat CHF directly target the heart
in an attempt to prevent further damage and help the heart regain
some of the function that has been lost. One medication type commonly
used is called an ACE-Inhibitor. Examples of this class of medication
include lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) or enalapril (Vasotec). These
drugs help prevent fluid build up in addition to helping the heart
regain some of its function. A similar drug known as spironolactone
(Aldactone) may also be used for these reasons. Other medications
commonly used to treat CHF are called beta-blockers. Examples include
atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL). These agents
help keep the heart from working too hard and also help it regain
some of its former strength.
If fluid build-up becomes a problem, a diuretic or "fluid"
pill is often prescribed. This type of agent helps the body make more
urine to get rid of any excess fluid. Some people may also need additional
drugs to help improve a weak heart pumping mechanism. One drug commonly
used for this effect is called digoxin (Lanoxin).
Other treatments may be needed for CHF as well. For example, if the
heart arteries are blocked, bypass surgery may be needed to improve
CHF symptoms. If irregular heartbeats occur, other medications or
a pacemaker may be needed. In severe heart failure, shock and death
can occur. In this setting, treatment is needed in the intensive care
unit of a hospital.
CHF is a chronic condition that requires daily treatment. Often several
different medications must be taken on a daily basis. The affected
person must be committed to the treatment plan for it to be successful.
This includes sticking to a diet and exercise program, not smoking,
taking medications and maintaining doctor appointments several times
per year. When the treatment plan is followed, there is often a dramatic
improvement in symptoms over time. People can often lead fairly normal
lives when treatment is successful.
CHF is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath,
swelling in the legs and even death. Fortunately, good treatments
exist for most people with heart failure and new medications are constantly
being developed. Some of these medications have even been shown to
help reverse some of the heart damage that led to the development
of CHF. However, the best treatment for CHF is still prevention through
healthy living.
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