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Home > Family Health & Lifestyle > Seniors' Health > Cardiovascular Diseases |
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Cardiovascular Diseases |
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Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes
of Congestive Heart Failure The term "heart failure" sounds alarming,
but it does not mean the heart has suddenly stopped working. Instead,
it means the heart has not been pumping as effectively as it should
to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body's cells. |
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Related Issues |
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(Cardiovascular Disease) |
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CHF usually develops slowly. Symptoms may not appear for years, and they tend to worsen gradually over time. That is the reason why it is most commonly seen in old age. The slow onset and progression of CHF results from the heart's own efforts to deal with its gradual weakening. The heart compensates by enlarging and by forcing itself to pump faster to circulate more blood.
Risk Factors
Symptoms If the left side of the heart has not been working well (left-sided heart failure), resulting in the flow of blood and fluid back up into the lungs; patients will experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and persistent coughing (especially at night). In advanced cases, persons may begin to cough up pinkish, blood-tinged sputum. If the right side of the heart does not work properly (right-sided heart failure), the slowed down blood flow causes a buildup of fluid in the veins. The feet, legs, and ankles begin to swell under the increased fluid volume. This swelling is called edema. Sometimes, edema spreads to the lungs, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract. Fluid buildup causes patients to urinate more frequently, especially at night when body fluids are more evenly distributed. Fluid buildup also taxes the kidneys' ability to dispose of sodium and water, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. Once CHF is treated, the kidneys' function usually returns to normal. As heart failure progresses, the heart eventually loses its ability to compensate and symptoms arise. In addition to those listed above, other symptoms may include:
Diagnosis Most physicians can make a tentative diagnosis of CHF from the presence of edema and shortness of breath.
Other imaging techniques such as nuclear ventriculography and angiography can provide a firm diagnosis and reveal the extent of the disease. Treatment Studies show that drugs also help improve overall heart function and increase a patient's exercise capacity. The following classes of drugs are often prescribed:
Surgical And Interventional Procedures Interventional Procedures
Surgical Procedures
The best way to prevent heart failure is to practice healthy lifestyle habits that reduce your chances of developing a heart problem. It is also important to identify early any risk factors that contribute to heart failure, such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. The vast majority of patients with congestive heart failure can be successfully treated, most commonly with interventional procedures. Patients should carefully follow their physicians' advice; and in doing so, they can continue to live full and productive lives. Lifestyle Changes
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morbidity and mortality today. Coronary heart disease accounts
for 70 to 80 per cent of deaths in men and women in adults over 60 years
of age. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), is the most common cause
of hospitalization in the elderly. Since a significant proportion of
the population is and will be elderly, and the morbidity and mortality
of cardiovascular disease in this population is so profound, it is important
to understand the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease
in the elderly.
