The prognosis and life expectancy for congestive heart failure can vary based on many factors. Generally, early diagnosis and following a treatment plan can lead to better management and a longer life. After reporting your symptoms to your doctor, they may refer you to a heart specialist, or cardiologist.
The cardiologist will perform a physical exam, which will involve listening to your heart with a stethoscope to detect abnormal heart rhythms. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose heart conditions. Because these tests measure different things, your doctor may recommend a few to get a full picture of your current condition.
Blood tests can check for abnormal blood cells and infections. This includes testing for blood count, kidney function, and liver function. They can also check the level of BNP , a hormone that rises with heart failure. Chest X-rays can be used to asses heart size and fluid build up in the lungs and blood vessels. This is usually one of the first tests your doctor will recommend. That could be a warning sign for a heart attack.
Stress tests show how well your heart performs under different levels of stress. Cardiac catheterization can show blockages of the coronary arteries. Your doctor will insert a small tube into your blood vessel and thread it from your upper thigh groin area , arm, or wrist.
At the same time, the doctor can take blood samples, use X-rays to view your coronary arteries, and check blood flow and pressure in your heart chambers. An MRI takes pictures of your heart.
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of heart failure, or at least delay onset. Secondhand smoke is also a health hazard. If you live with a smoker, ask them to smoke outdoors. A heart healthy diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You also need protein in your diet. Things to avoid include:. As little as 1 hour of moderate aerobic exercise per week can improve your heart health. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are good forms of exercise.
If you feel unmotivated to work out alone, consider taking a class — it can even be online — or sign up for personal training at a local gym. Having obesity or overweight can be hard on your heart.
Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. You can also consult a dietitian or nutritionist. What causes congestive heart failure? What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure? How is congestive heart failure diagnosed? How is congestive heart failure treated? What is the outlook for heart failure patients? Skip to main content. Home Heart. Congestive heart failure CHF. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.
On this page. About congestive heart failure Symptoms of heart failure Causes of heart failure Factors that can worsen symptoms of heart failure Diagnosis of heart failure Treatment for heart failure Where to get help. The major factors that contribute to coronary heart disease include: obesity unhealthy eating high blood pressure diabetes smoking high cholesterol excess alcohol intake reduced emotional and social wellbeing physical inactivity.
Symptoms of heart failure Symptoms of heart failure include: new or worsening shortness of breath particularly during physical activity or waking you up at night difficulty lying flat at night fainting or passing out syncope weight gain more than 2kg per week muscular fatigue, tiredness swelling of ankles or legs swelling of abdomen dizziness heart palpitations heart pounding or beating too fast chest pain or discomfort in parts of the upper body unexplained coughing and wheezing loss of appetite constipation.
Causes of heart failure The heart is a double pump made up of four chambers. Heart failure can be caused by several conditions, including: past heart attacks from coronary heart disease — this can lead to scarring in the heart muscle and is the most common cause for heart failure high blood pressure hypertension — the high pressure in the arteries means that the heart must keep pumping more forcefully.
It may not be able to keep it up heart valve disease — damaged heart valves may allow the blood to flow backwards or may obstruct forward flow congenital heart disease — heart abnormalities may be present from birth, such as defective valves or abnormal communications between heart chambers Idiopathic cardiomyopathy — this condition is characterised by enlargement of the heart muscle, where the left ventricle enlarges to compensate for poor contraction myocarditis — viruses or other infections may damage the heart muscle heart arrhythmia — rapid heartbeat with irregularity, over a long period of time, can also lead to inefficient contraction and heart failure thyroid disease — the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormone, thyroxine.
It can affect one or both sides of the heart. Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease , high blood pressure and diabetes. It is more common in people who are 65 years old or older, African Americans, people who are overweight, and people who have had a heart attack. Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women. Your doctor will diagnose heart failure by doing a physical exam and heart tests.
Treatment includes treating the underlying cause of your heart failure, medicines, and heart transplantation if other treatments fail. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
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