Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. This condition can be chronic (ongoing) or acute (sudden onset). Let's explore its causes, signs, and treatment:

Causes:

  1. Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowed arteries limit the heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood, leading to weakened heart muscle.

  2. Heart Attack: A heart attack can damage heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump effectively.

  3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can weaken it over time.

  4. Cardiomyopathy: Damage to the heart muscle from causes other than artery or blood flow problems.

  5. Heart Valve Disease: Damaged or diseased heart valves can affect the flow of blood through the heart.

  6. Other Conditions: Chronic diseases like diabetes, severe obesity, or thyroid disease can contribute to heart failure.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Shortness of Breath: Especially during activity or when lying down.

  • Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling unusually tired.

  • Swelling (Edema): In legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.

  • Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or feeling your heart beat irregularly.

  • Persistent Cough or Wheezing: Sometimes with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.

  • Increased Need to Urinate at Night.

  • Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

  • Lack of Appetite and Nausea.

Treatment:

  1. Lifestyle Changes: Diet (low-sodium), exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation.

  2. Medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and others to manage symptoms and improve heart function.

  3. Device Therapy: Implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate heart rhythm.

  4. Surgery: Procedures like coronary bypass surgery or valve repair may be needed in some cases.

  5. Heart Transplant: In severe cases where other treatments aren't effective.

Heart failure is a serious condition that requires ongoing management. If you suspect heart failure or experience its symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention. Early intervention can improve quality of life and outcomes for people with heart failure.