Living With Congestive Heart Failure

In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirement. Weak heart muscles are usually responsible for this condition.

Congestive heart failure causes

Coronary artery disease, hypertension, alcoholism and problems of the heart valves could weaken the heart muscles, leading to cognitive heart failure. The muscles of the heart could be weakened by heart rhythm disorders, thyroid malfunction and viral diseases that stiffen the muscles of the heart. Medications that increase sodium retention could lead to congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure symptoms

Fatigue and shortness of breath are common symptoms of congestive heart failure. Shortness of breath usually increases after physical exertion. Shortness of breath might also occur while lying down. When a person lies down, greater volume of blood returns to the heart, causing breathing difficulty.

Congestive heart failure causes edema. When the heart is unable to supply adequate oxygen to the kidneys, the kidneys could not perform their normal functions. Diminished kidney function leads to sodium and water retention in the body. Fluids may accumulate in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Fluids may build up in the intestine and liver. This causes abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite.

Congestive heart failure treatment

Besides medication, to lead a normal life a congestive heart failure patient must make modifications in the lifestyle. Since edema is an obvious outcome of congestive heart failure, individuals suffering from this condition should rely on a salt restricted diet.

Daily salt intake should not be more than 2 grams per day. Congestive heart failure patients should restrict fluid intake. They should not consume more than 2 quarts of fluid per day. Natural diuretic could help congestive heart failure patients to eliminate excess sodium and water from the body.

Celery, asparagus, cucumber, parsley, melon, artichoke and watercress are some easily available natural diuretics that are beneficial for curing edema. To prevent shortness of breath while sleeping, congestive heart failure patients should elevate their head and chest with more than two pillows.

Congestive heart failure patients should avoid alcohol. Herbs such as hawthorn and goldenseal could help to reduce the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

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