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 Congesti...