Congestive Heart Failure

Phoenix Heart

Cardiologists located in Glendale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Anthem, Black Canyon City & Avondale, AZ

It’s estimated that nearly six million adults in the United States have congestive heart failure (CHF). About half of them die within five years of their diagnosis, which is why it’s essential to connect with the team at Phoenix Heart at the first sign of symptoms. With early treatment and support from their CHF Clinic, you can get the help you need to live a longer, healthier life. To schedule an appointment, use online booking or call one of the offices in Glendale, Goodyear, Anthem, Buckeye, Laveen, Cottonwood, and Black Canyon City, Arizona.

Congestive Heart Failure Q & A

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body. Your heart may not be able to send enough blood to your lungs to pick up oxygen, it may not be strong enough to pump blood out to your body, or both.

What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?

In many cases, CHF is caused by heart muscles that are too weak, but the muscles can also become thick and stiff, which prevents blood from flowing into the heart.

Many health conditions can lead to CHF, including heart valve disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. However, the leading causes are:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD develops when cholesterol and other fats build up inside the coronary arteries and partially or completely block blood flow. Nearly 70% of all cases of congestive heart failure are caused by CAD that damages the heart muscle.
High Blood Pressure: When your blood pressure stays too high, it puts extra stress on your heart that can weaken the muscles. It also damages blood vessel walls, which promotes CAD.

What Symptoms Develop Due to Congestive Heart Failure?

When you develop CHF, you can experience:

Shortness of breath
Excessive fatigue
Persistent coughing
Fluid buildup in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
Lack of appetite or nausea
Memory loss or confusion
Increased heart rate or heart palpitations

Symptoms gradually worsen as your heart becomes more damaged and weaker.

How is Congestive Heart Failure Treated?

Your treatment may include medication to alleviate symptoms and reduce the stress on your heart. It’s also essential to take care of your overall health and take steps to manage underlying problems such as high blood pressure.

Ongoing education is an essential part of your treatment as you learn how to recognize signs of problems, respond to physical changes, and slow the progression of CHF. Treatment for CHF frequently includes lifestyle changes that aren’t easy to make, such as dietary changes, weight loss, limiting fluids, and quitting smoking.

The team at Phoenix Heart is dedicated to providing optimal support, which is why they created the CHF Clinic. At the clinic, they help you avoid the hospital, ER visits, and death by teaching you how to make lifestyle changes. They also help manage your cardiac medications and monitor your lab work for any signs of problems.

If you develop symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, call Phoenix Heart or book an appointment online.

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