What is Congestive Heart Failure?

When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently or effectively to the body it is called Congestive Heart Failure. This can be caused by narrowed arteries leading into the heart, damage to the heart muscle, scarring on the heart and infection. Over a half a million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure each year and it is estimated that almost 5 million people lead normal lives with this diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure can include:
* Early fatigue with exercise or activity
* Difficulty breathing with activity or when lying down
* Swelling of the ankles and lower legs
These symptoms are caused by a build up of fluid as blood returning to the heart cannot be pumped efficiently through the heart.

Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure can only be made by a physician. Treatment option can include rest, modification of activity, proper diet and medication. Many people are able to live normal lives with mild to moderate Congestive Heart Failure. Follow your physicians recommendations for treatment.

For more information please visit the American Heart Association's website or WebMD. You can also view this animated tool from the American Heart Association that provides information on the warning signs and symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Customer service

A few weeks ago I was told in an email that I didn't know the difference between customer service provided by a service provider and customer service provided by a store clerk.  It wasn't suggested in a nice manner so it's something I've been mulling off and on for a few weeks.  I knew I would blog about it, but wanted to make sure I wasn't reacting to the tone of the email. I guess for me there really isn't a difference. As a service provider (my courses) I do my best to meet the needs of my clients.  I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to receive positive reviews on the evaluation forms I use at the end of my classes.  I also greatly appreciate anyone who provides a good service for me.  It doesn't matter to me if you are a clerk in a store, the person bagging my groceries, the customer service associate on the phone or someone I've hired to perform a job or task.  I'm quick to thank them for a good job.  If I get one of those stor...
Read more

Quotes

Every morning I post a quote on Facebook.  Occasionally I'll post a second, but usually just the one. A while back someone asked me why I do it.  That was all they would see from me for an entire day sometimes.  They told me they're on Facebook to see what we're all up to and the quote didn't tell them much about me. A few others have liked, loved, and/or commented on the quotes.  Apparently they enjoy them. I read a quote every morning and I share it.  They are random, not on any specific topic or theme.  As I read and post them I spend a few minutes thinking about them and how they impact me or what is going on with or around me.  It's like a thoughtful meditation that helps me to mentally set up the day ahead of me. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Read more

Summer work

Image
The past 3 years I've worked at summer camps.  I'd volunteered for 3-4 years before that at Cub Scout Day Camp for a week - it's only 1 week.  But the past 3 years I was paid staff at Camp Seawood. I enjoy working at camp.  I'm outside all day without a cell phone.  It's almost Nirvana - almost because I'm surrounded by kids.  But for the most part they're all awesome. This summer I decided to not work at camp.  I did end up volunteering at Cub Scout day camp the  last week in  June.  This is Micaela's last summer before going to NHIA.  I wanted to have time to do fun things with my kids. But I usually teach fewer classes in the summer because fewer people sign up.  It's hot, people are on vacation, it's normally a slower time of the year.  I still need bring in some income to pay for the summer adventures. I was fortunate to be able to book enough private on-site classes that covered the income I would have made at sum...
Read more