treatment of congestive heart failure | Dr Raghu

The heart is a critical organ that powers the human body. It beats roughly 100,000 times a day and pumps more than 2,000 tons of blood throughout the body. 

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart gradually loses its pumping capacity. It can lead to symptoms like breathlessness, fluid buildup, and mental confusion. In the long run, it can result in organ damage and even death.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of congestive cardiac failure. Let’s dive right in.

Congestive Cardiac Failure and Heart Failure: Are They the Same?

Traditionally, doctors used the terms congestive cardiac failure or congestive heart failure to refer to the progressive deterioration of the heart’s pumping action. They used “congestion” to describe the buildup of fluid in the lungs due to heart failure.

However, subsequent studies have shown that the condition can lead to other symptoms, such as swollen feet, fatigue, and mental confusion. That’s why doctors use the term heart failure nowadays.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

Irrespective of whether you call it congestive cardiac failure or simply heart failure, its most common causes include:

• Hypertension

• Coronary artery disease

• Cardiomyopathy

• Heart valve damage
• Diabetes
• Heart rhythm disturbances

Additionally, damaged or dying heart tissue due to an infection or a previous heart attack can result in congestive cardiac failure. 

Related : Mitral Valve Stenosis : Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

The symptoms of congestive heart failure depend on whether it causes a lack of oxygen supply to the organs or excess fluid buildup in the body.

In the first case, the symptoms include mental confusion, fatigue, and discolored or bluish skin. In the second case, heart failure can lead to symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, weight gain, swelling in the feet, legs, and abdomen, and loss of appetite.

Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

The treatment of congestive heart failure depends on its underlying cause and the side of the heart that’s affected. A doctor will order a series of tests, such as chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiogram, and coronary angiography. Routine blood tests, such as lipid panel and electrolyte tests, might be needed, too.

Once the root cause is identified, your doctor can prescribe one or more of the following medications:

• Diuretic or water pills
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors or Angiotension receptor Neprilysin inhibitor 
• Digoxin
• Anticoagulants

Additionally, the doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, including exercise, a low-sodium diet, and weight loss. Also, they’ll ask you to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. In extreme cases, patients need a heart transplant or ventricular assist device (VAD) to improve their quality of life.

Wrapping Up

Congestive cardiac failure is a chronic condition with no known cure. If left untreated, it can lead to organ damage and death. However, a proper treatment plan comprising lifestyle changes and medications can help manage various symptoms.

Dr. C Raghu is a renowned cardiologist and a specialist in interventional cardiology. If you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms of heart failure, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Raghu right away.