Chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) usually develops gradually. The condition may affect only the right side or only the left side of the heart. These are called right-sided heart failure or left-sided heart failure. More often, both sides of the heart are involved. It is a condition in which the heart does not pump as strongly as it should. The body does not get the right amount of blood and oxygen it needs to work efficiently. The weakened pumping action may cause a backup of fluid (congestion) in the lungs and other parts of the body.

Chronic heart failure Causes • long-standing impaired blood flow to the heart for some time . • heart muscle damage from a previous heart attack • long-standing high blood pressure • a heart valve that is not working properly (heart valve disease) • an infection causing inflammation of the heart muscle • excessive use of alcohol or drugs • a disease of the heart muscle itself from an unknown cause

Chronic heart failure Symptoms • shortness of breath while lying down, or waking up in the middle of the night Jugular venous distention swollen ankles and/or legs less urine • sudden weight gain • tiredness and/or loss of energy • loss or change in appetite

Chronic heart failure Diagnosis: Symptoms: shortness of breath while lying down, swollen ankles and/or legs, Jugular venous distention chest X-ray: A chest x-ray provides useful information about cardiac size and shape, as well as the state of the pulmonary vasculature, and may identify noncardiac causes of the patient's symptoms. echocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Chronic heart failure Treatment: The treatment of heart failure depends on the exact cause, but it can usually be treated effectively. The overall goals are to correct underlying causes, to relieve symptoms, and to prevent worsening of the condition. Symptoms are relieved by removing excess fluid from the body, improving blood flow, improving heart muscle function, and increasing delivery of oxygen to the body tissues.