Congestive Heart Failure

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure, also known as heart failure, happens when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood efficiently. That can cause unpleasant or serious complications when left untreated. See Dr. Raja if you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease or if you suspect you have it based on your risk factors and symptoms.

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

The common signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal, leg, ankle, or feet swelling
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty exercising
• Rapid weight gain
• Fluid buildup
• Chronic wheezing or coughing
• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Chest pain
• Problems concentrating
• Decreased alertness

If you have signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, chest pressure, or weakness, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

Complications associated with heart failure may include heart valve problems, kidney failure, liver damage, or heart rhythm irregularities.

What are the risk factors for congestive heart failure?

The risk factors for developing congestive heart failure include:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart attack
• Heart valve diseases
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Congenital heart disease
• Diabetes 
• Certain medications
• Sleep apnea
• Alcohol use
• Excess body weight
• Smoking or using tobacco
• Some viral infections

Adopting healthy habits, such as getting regular exercise and eating nutritious foods, is the best way to keep your risk of congestive heart failure low.

How does my doctor diagnose congestive heart failure?

Dr. Raja can diagnose congestive heart failure after reviewing your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle habits. He also checks your blood pressure and other vital signs, completes a physical exam, and orders diagnostic tests.

He may recommend blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, CT scan, MRI, or echocardiogram. In some cases, you may need a coronary angiogram using a thin tube to look for blood vessel blockages. A heart biopsy is sometimes needed.

How is congestive heart failure managed?

To manage congestive heart failure, Dr. Raja may recommend taking medications, undergoing a surgical procedure, or making lifestyle changes. Avoid smoking, maintain a healthy body weight, eat nutritious foods, and limit your salt and saturated fat intake. Stay active, keep stress levels low, and limit alcohol consumption.

Dr. Raja follows up with you periodically to help manage congestive heart failure and reduce the risk of complications.

To get screened or treated for congestive heart failure, schedule an appointment with Manikanda Raja, MD, by phone or online today.