Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Fluid builds up in the lungs, abdomen, and lower extremities as a result. Common causes of CHF are prior heart attacks, excessive blood pressure, or coronary artery disease, which may affect the left or right side of the heart, or both.

Common CHF symptoms are shortness of breath, tiredness, ankle and leg swelling from fluid retention, rapid weight increase from fluid retention, and coughing or wheezing. The disorder can be minor to severe, and if untreated, it frequently gets worse over time.
Usually including physical examination, blood tests, ECG, echocardiography, and chest X-rays, diagnosis is achieved through lifestyle adjustments, drugs like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, and, in certain circumstances, surgical procedures like pacemakers or cardiac transplants. Treatment centres on controlling symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Early identification and appropriate treatment can help significantly slow the course of CHF. Managing this disorder and improving general cardiac performance depend on a heart-healthy diet, lower salt intake, frequent exercise, and avoidance of smoking or alcohol.