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Site FeedbackHeart Failure (Congestive Failure, CHF)
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Video: Congestive Heart Failure
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Definition
Heart Failure (HF) is a condition where the heart's pumping power is weak and causes blood to move slower through the body. HF does not mean that your heart has stopped working but rather it is inefficient. HF increases the pressure inside the heart and lungs. This results in a buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles, and legs as well as the lungs.
Description
HF is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs. HF is a serious and chronic problem. Over 5 million people in the United States have HF. HF develops over time as the pumping ability of the heart weakens. There are many problems that can weaken the heart muscle. Among the most common are:
- narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle — coronary artery disease.
- past heart attack with scar tissue that interferes with the heart muscle's normal work.
- high blood pressure.
- heart valve disease
- infection of the heart valves and/or heart muscle itself
The most common symptoms of HF are: shortness of breath, swelling in legs and feet, fatigue, weight gain, and sometimes faster and irregular heartbeats. HF is a serious problem and needs to be evaluated by a doctor skilled in caring for individuals with HF. A full health survey will help determine possible causes of HF and how best to proceed with treatment. HF is a chronic problem and requires life-long management. Untreated, HF will continue to worsen and will cause damage to other vital organs in the body. The heart muscle enlarges in an attempt to improve pumping. This enlargement often results in severe heart irregularities and death. HF is a long-term illness that can be controlled. There are many treatment choices and the doctor will evaluate each based upon the HF causes and patient's condition.
Treatment Options
How is Heart Failure Treated?
The goals of HF treatment include:
- Identifying and treating any underlying cause of HF
- Managing and improving symptoms
- Improving the quality of life
- Stopping HF from getting worse
The doctor will do a detailed medical history and a physical examination. The information will help identify the need for additional tests or procedures. The doctor is looking for causes of the HF as well as other medical conditions causing symptoms. Additional tests may be medical or surgical. These tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG). This test is a graphic measurement of the heart rate and rhythm. An EKG can identify a heart attack-new or old.
- Chest X-ray. A chest x-ray provides information about the size of the heart and the condition of the lungs.
- Echocardiogram (Echo). An Echo provides valuable information about the function and size of the heart using sound waves. The sound waves identify problems with the heart valves and the muscle contraction.
- Nuclear Scan. This test uses a radioactive substance that is injected into a vein. This substance is tracked by a special camera. The scan will show how well the heart is pumping blood.
- Cardiac Catheterization (Heart Cath) and Coronary Angiography. During a Heart Cath, a small flexible catheter (tube) is inserted into an artery in either the groin or arm. The catheter is guided to the heart arteries. A special dye is injected and moving pictures trace the dye as it travels through the heart arteries. The pictures identify narrowed or blocked arteries. Special evaluation of the heart muscle movement is outlined.
Using the information, a medical or surgical treatment plan will be made. There are multiple medications that can improve heart function and improve symptoms. Occasionally, a surgical procedure (Heart Bypass or Balloon Angioplasty) is indicated to improve heart circulation. A new treatment includes the use of a special heart pacemaker to improve the heart stimulation.
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health provides comprehensive cardiac services. John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus provide:
- Non-Invasive Services that include EKG and Echocardiography Testing
- Nuclear Scan Suites
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories are available on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
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