The heart functions to pump or force blood through the arteries and veins. When the heart does not function normally, it may lead to fluid backing up. This back up may produce increased pressures within the veins returning blood to the heart. The organs which most commonly become involved include the lungs and the liver. Congestive heart failure, or CHF is a complication from underlying disease affecting the heart.
Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
Many disease states will lead to congestive heart failure. These include high blood pressure, heart-valve disease, heart attack, coronary artery disease and irregular heart beats. Severe lung disease, such as emphysema can also produce CHF. Congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, severe anemia, heart tumor (rare), and infections complicating underlying heart disease, can all eventually lead to congestive heart failure.
Signs and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure leads to shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat in bed. Due to inadequate output from the heart, there is generalized fatigue and generalized weakness. Increased fluid within the lungs leads to cough, sometimes with a frothy sputum and shortness of breath. Increased pressure in the veins, caused by the heart not pumping effectively enough, produces swelling of the abdomen, legs and ankles. Distended veins may occur in the neck. Right upper abdominal discomfort may occur from swelling of the liver. CHF frequently leads to rapid or irregular heart beats.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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