An estimated 6 million Americans are living with congestive heart failure, a condition marked by your heart’s inability to pump blood properly due to fluid buildup. At CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane and his team provide cutting-edge treatments and ongoing monitoring to help manage congestive heart failure. If you notice symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling in your feet and ankles, or unexplained weight gain, call or schedule an appointment online today and find out more about congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure, which is sometimes referred to as simply heart failure, develops when your heart doesn’t pump blood properly as a result of fluid buildup in your body. It’s one of the most common reasons adults over 65 seek medical attention.
If you have congestive heart failure, it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working. It means your heart is working inefficiently and isn’t supplying your body with sufficient blood and oxygen. When congestive heart failure is left untreated, it can worsen over time. With your heart not pumping enough blood, a backup of blood can develop in your veins, leading to troublesome symptoms.
There are a variety of common signs and symptoms, both physical and cognitive, that are associated with congestive heart failure, including:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
One of the most common causes of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries that supply your heart with blood grow constricted by backed up plaque. There are also a host of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing congestive heart failure, including underlying conditions, such as:
The best way to limit your risk of developing congestive heart failure is maintaining both a healthy weight and an active lifestyle.
First, Dr. Chane performs a comprehensive physical exam, and then he may opt for additional testing, such as blood tests, an echocardiogram, or stress testing, before offering a congestive heart failure diagnosis.
For treatment, Dr. Chane and his team work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that can help you manage this chronic condition. In most cases, a key part of treatment includes adopting healthy lifestyle choices, such as a consistent exercise routine, healthy dieting, and quitting bad habits like smoking or consuming too much alcohol.
Depending on the specifics and severity of your condition, you may also need ongoing medication management or surgery. Dr. Chane closely monitors your heart condition and tracks your progress to update your treatment plan accordingly.
To learn more about congestive heart failure and treatment options available to you, call or schedule an appointment online today.