Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs, leading to a buildup of fluid in tissues and organs.

Types of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):

• Left-Sided Heart Failure: Affects the left ventricle, causing fluid to back up into the lungs (pulmonary congestion).
• Right-Sided Heart Failure: Affects the right ventricle, leading to fluid retention in the abdomen, legs, and feet.
• Biventricular Failure: Involves both left and right ventricles.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):

• Coronary Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure increases heart workload.
• Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle.
• Heart Valve Disorders: Malfunctioning valves disrupt blood flow.
• Myocardial Infarction: Damage from a heart attack.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of Breath: Especially during exertion or lying down.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Due to inadequate blood flow.
• Edema: Swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: As the heart tries to compensate.
• Persistent Cough or Wheezing: Often with white or pink phlegm.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Evaluation: Medical history and physical examination.
• Imaging: Echocardiogram, chest X-ray.
• Blood Tests: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart rhythm and damage.

Management:

• Lifestyle Changes: Low-sodium diet, fluid restriction, regular exercise, weight management.
• Medications: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and others.
• Medical Devices: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers.
• Surgical Interventions: Valve repair or replacement, coronary bypass surgery, heart transplantation in severe cases.

Prognosis:

• Chronic and progressive condition; early detection and management can improve quality of life and outcomes.
• Requires ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!