When someone hears the term congestive heart failure, they may think that the heart ceases from functioning. While this version has some truth in it, it isn’t entirely true. Congestive heart failure is a progressive chronic condition that weakens the pumping power of the heart’s muscles. In a normal case, the heart functions properly, but, in a person with congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to function as expected. The chronic condition usually attacks adults, especially elderly people who are 65 and older.
Congestive heart failure causes the circulation of blood in the heart as well as the body to slow down tremendously. As a result, pressure increases in the heart, causing a low supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients in the body. The heart’s chambers may stretch, thicken, or stiffen to hold more blood. In time, the heart’s muscles become too weak to function as required. The kidney reacts by making the body retain fluid in vital organs such as the lungs, and, as a result, heart failure occurs.
Peconic Bay Medical Center’s staff of cardiology specialists in Suffolk, County, NY, diagnose and treats cardiology issues, including congestive heart failure. Read on to learn more about the causes of this disease.
Heart Attack
A heart attack is one of the major causes of congestive heart failure. It occurs when a coronary artery suddenly blocks, causing the blood to stop flowing to the heart’s muscles. A scarred tissue occurs, causing the heart to stop functioning as required. Visit Peconic Bay Medical Center for advanced cardiology care in Suffolk County, NY, to seek treatment before congestive heart failure occurs.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease occurs when a high accumulation of cholesterol attacks the major vessels that transport blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart. When the buildup occurs, the arteries will narrow or block, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, heart failure occurs. If you’re experiencing chest pains or falling short of breath, visit a cardiology specialist for a heart examination.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is brought about by various things such as drug abuse, infections from other diseases or inheritance of the condition. The condition damages the muscles of the heart, leading to heart failure.
Conditions Overworking the Heart
High blood pressure, arrhythmia, kidney disease, and diabetes are some of the conditions that overwork the heart. These conditions cause the heart muscles to thicken, and eventually, atrial fibrillation occurs, causing heart failure.
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
A person with heart failure can experience severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Here are some symptoms to help you detect congestive heart failure:
- Fluid retention: The decrease of blood flow in the body causes the kidneys to react, which makes the body retain water in organs such as the lungs.
- Congested lungs: The retention of fluids causes lung congestion and results in difficulty breathing.
- Rapid heartbeat: When major blood vessels block, the pumping power of the hearts muscles is unable to pump blood, oxygen, and nutrients in the body. The heart reacts by beating faster to try to pump adequate blood in the body.
- Fatigue, dizziness, and body weakness: Lack of enough oxygen and blood in vital organs such as the brain causes a person to experience dizziness. When the muscles don’t get enough oxygen, a person will also experience fatigue and body weakness.
Congestive heart failure can cripple you but only if you let it. With these causes and many more, you should be on the lookout. Book an appointment with a specialist in cardiology in Suffolk County, NY, to prevent congestive heart failure from occurring. Visit the cardiologists at Peconic Bay Medical Center for a thorough heart examination.