Search results
- DictionaryCon·ges·tive heart fail·ure
noun
- 1. a weakness of the heart that leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and surrounding body tissues.
Powered by Oxford Languages
Yahoo Web Search
Heart failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
Certain heart conditions gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. These conditions include narrowed arteries in the heart and high blood pressure.
Proper treatment may improve the symptoms of heart failure ...
When to seek medical or mental health expertAlways seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.If you have heart failure, your heart can't supply enough blood to meet your body's needs.
Symptoms may develop slowly. Sometimes, heart failure symptoms start suddenly. Heart failure symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Reduced ability to exercise....
Heart failure can be caused by a weakened, damaged or stiff heart.
- If the heart is damaged or weakened, the heart chambers may stretch and get bigger. The heart can't pump out the needed amount of blood.
- If the main pumping chambers of the heart, called the ventricles, are stiff, they can't fill with enough blood between beats.
The heart muscle can be damaged by certain infections, heav...
Treatment of heart failure may depend on the cause. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes and medicines. If another health condition is causing the heart to fail, treating it may reverse heart failure.
Some people with heart failure need surgery to open blocked arteries or to place a device to help the heart work better.
With treatment, symptoms of heart failure may improve.
Medications
A combination of medicines may be used to treat heart failu...
One way to prevent heart failure is to treat and control the conditions that can cause it. These conditions include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Some of the same lifestyle changes used to manage heart failure also may help prevent it. Try these heart-healthy tips:
- Don't smoke.
- Get plenty of exercise.
- Eat healthy foods....
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
Also Search for
Myocarditis Coronary artery disease Secondary hypertension Elevated blood pressure
Searches related to What is congestive heart failure?
