Congested Heart Failure (CHF)

The heart is responsible for pumping blood, nutrients, and oxygen to all areas of your body. Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and doesn’t pump with enough force. CHF can also arise when the valves within the heart do not function properly, or when the heart muscle is thick and stiff.  Heart failure symptoms often develop gradually and because the body has the ability to compensate for early changes many patients wait until their breathing is severely impaired before seeking medical attention. When CHF is due to a heart valve problem, surgery to repair or replace the valve(s) is an option.  When CHF becomes so severe then the need for a mechanical assist device or transplant may be considered.

Signs and symptoms of CHF:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath with or without activity
• Waking up breathless at night or orthopnea - difficulty breathing while lying flat, often requiring propping up on pillows to breathe comfortably when sleeping
• Rapid or irregular pulse
• Edema or swelling of legs, feet and ankles and/or abdomen
• A chronic dry or frothy cough that may be blood-tinged or resemble foam
• Nocturia, or an increase in urination at night
• Palpitations, or feeling the heart beat in your chest
• Dark colored urine (may not be present if already taking diuretic medications)
• A decrease in urine output
• Unexplained or unintentional rapid weight gain
• Distended or swollen neck veins
• Loss of appetite or indigestion
• Cold, sweaty, dusky colored skin.
• Changes in behavior such as restlessness, confusion, decreased attention span, and memory.