Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common condition, affecting nearly 6 million Americans. The condition occurs when the heart can no longer pump strongly or fill efficiently. As a result, blood flow stagnates and fluid may build up in the lungs. Over time, this can cause organ damage. If left untreated, heart failure can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive condition. It occurs when the heart can no longer pump strongly enough to meet the body's demands for blood and oxygen. This leads to a backup of blood, causing congestion in vessels and fluid buildup in tissues like the lungs and legs.

As the heart struggles, neurohormonal systems become activated in an attempt to compensate. But this response becomes overwhelming, leading to a progressive worsening of heart failure.

Causes & Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over the age of 65. It is a multifaceted condition that can arise from various underlying factors. It is a progressive condition, which means that it gets worse over time. The risk of developing CHF increases with age, obesity, and multiple other cardiac risk factors. CHF can also be caused by certain medications or medical procedures.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

Coronary artery disease (CAD)
CAD is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can reduce the amount of blood that reaches the heart muscle, making it weaker and less able to pump blood effectively.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Hypertension will affect the heart over time, making it stiff and/or weaker and less able to pump blood effectively.
Heart valve disorders
Heart valve disorders can prevent the heart valves from closing properly, which can cause blood to back up in the heart and lungs. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases that weaken the heart muscle. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Prior heart attacks
Heart attacks can damage the heart muscle, making it weaker and less able to pump blood effectively.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms. They can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
This is one of the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure. It can be worse with physical activity or when lying down.
Fatigue and weakness
People with congestive heart failure often feel tired, even with minimal exertion.
Poor appetite
Fluid buildup in the abdomen can cause poor appetite and distention of the belly.
Persistent coughing
Fluid buildup in the lungs can trigger a persistent cough, often accompanied by white or pink-tinged sputum.
Edema (swelling)
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and sometimes the abdomen can occur due to fluid retention.
Increased heart rate
The heart may beat faster to compensate for reduced pumping efficiency.
Diminished exercise tolerance
Congestive heart failure can limit physical activity, leading to reduced endurance and stamina.
Sudden weight gain
Fluid retention can cause unexplained weight gain over a short period.
Chest discomfort
Some people with congestive heart failure may experience chest pain or discomfort, particularly when the heart's pumping is strained.

Testing & Diagnosis for Congestive Heart Failure

The diagnostic process for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, risk factors for CHF, and medical history. They will also listen to your heart and lungs and check your vital signs.

If the doctor suspects CHF, they may order multiple diagnostic tests to determine the cause. These tests can help to confirm the diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, and assess the severity of the condition. Here are some tests used to assess CHF:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can be used to identify irregular heart rhythms, which can be a sign of CHF.
Chest X-ray
This is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays to create images of the chest. It can be used to look for fluid buildup in the lungs or heart, and to see if the heart is enlarged.
Blood tests
Blood tests can be used to measure substances like brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which are elevated in CHF. These markers indicate the severity of heart failure. In addition to this, the blood test will include assessment of other organs, such as the kidneys and the liver.
Echocardiogram
This is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can be used to assess the size and function of the heart chambers, as well as the amount of blood that is flowing through the heart.
Stress test
This is a non-invasive test that assesses the heart's function during physical exertion. It can be used to identify signs of CHF, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiac catheterization
This is an invasive test that involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel in the arm or leg and threading it up to the heart. It can be used to measure blood flow, assess valve function, and identify any blockages in the coronary arteries.