Congestive heart failure, also known as CHF, is a condition in which
a weakened heart cannot pump enough blood to body organs. Since the
pumping action of the heart is reduced, blood backs up into certain
body tissues. CHF is caused by a number of complex problems that cause
the pumping chambers of the heart to fail. If the pumping chambers of
the heart do not function well, blood stays in the lungs or in the
tissues of the body. These areas then become congested with blood and
fluid. And that is the basis for the name congestive heart failure. In
time, the organs and tissues begin to suffer from not getting enough
blood and oxygen.
Signs and Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the legs
Fatigue
Chest pain
Current medical treatments for CHF include:
ACE inhibitors to improve the pumping action of the heart
Digitalis -- helps heart muscles beat more strongly.
Diuretics -- helps relieve the buildup of fluid in the tissues.
