Congestive heart failure (See: Heart failure)

In Heart Failure, the muscle becomes either too weak (dilated) or too stiff to pump effectively.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped. It means your heart is pumping weaker than normal.

Think of the heart as a pump. If the pump weakens, it cannot move blood forward efficiently. This causes blood to "back up" (congest) into the lungs or the body, leading to fluid retention.

Symptoms

Symptoms are caused by two things: fluid backing up, or not enough blood reaching your organs.

1. Congestion (Fluid Buildup)

• Lung Congestion: Shortness of breath when lying flat (Orthopnea) or waking up gasping for air.
• Body Swelling (Edema): Swollen legs, ankles, and feet.
• Weight Gain: Sudden gain of 3+ pounds in a few days (fluid weight).
• Bloating: Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) and loss of appetite.

2. Poor Circulation

• Fatigue: Feeling tired after simple activities like walking.
• Mental Confusion: Due to low sodium or low blood flow to the brain.
• Cold Extremities: Hands and feet feel cold.

⚠️ EMERGENCY: FLASH PULMONARY EDEMA
Seek emergency care immediately (Call 911) if you experience:

• Sudden, severe shortness of breath.
• Pink, foamy mucus: Coughing up bubblegum-colored froth.
• Chest pain.

Types of Heart Failure

Heart failure affects different sides of the heart in different ways.

Type	What Happens	Main Symptom
Left-Sided	The main pump fails. Blood backs up into the lungs.	Shortness of Breath.
Right-Sided	The heart can't clear blood returning from the body.	Swelling in legs/belly.

Pumping vs. Filling Problems

• Systolic Failure (Pumping): The muscle is weak and stretched. It can't squeeze hard enough.
• Diastolic Failure (Filling): The muscle is thick and stiff. It can't relax enough to fill with blood.

Diagnosis & Ejection Fraction

The most important number you need to know is your Ejection Fraction (EF).

Measured via an Echocardiogram (Ultrasound), this percentage tells you how much blood your heart pumps out with each beat.

• 50-70%: Normal.
• 40-49%: Borderline.
• Under 40%: Heart Failure (Systolic).

Treatment

Treatment focuses on removing fluid and strengthening the pump.

1. Medications

• Diuretics (Water Pills): Like Furosemide (Lasix). These help you pee out excess fluid to help you breathe.
• ACE Inhibitors / ARBs: Relax blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump.
• Beta Blockers: Slow the heart rate to give the heart a "rest."

2. Devices & Surgery

• ICD (Defibrillator): A device implanted in the chest to shock the heart if it stops.
• Biventricular Pacemaker (CRT): Helps the two sides of the heart beat in sync.
• LVAD (Heart Pump): A mechanical pump for severe cases waiting for a transplant.

Lifestyle: The Daily Rules

⚖️ THE DAILY WEIGH-IN
Fluid retention happens faster than you think.

1. Weigh yourself every morning (after peeing, before eating).
2. Write it down.
3. Call your doctor if: You gain 3 lbs in a day or 5 lbs in a week. This is a sign you need your medication adjusted before you end up in the hospital.

• Limit Salt (Sodium): Salt acts like a sponge for water. Aim for less than 2,000mg per day.
• Fluid Restriction: Your doctor may ask you to limit total liquids to 1.5 - 2 liters a day.
• Sleep Elevated: Use extra pillows or a wedge to prevent fluid from settling in your lungs while you sleep.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.