Diseases and Treatments > Congestive Heart Failure

The term 'heart failure' (CHF) is used when the heart muscle is not pumping as well as it should. There are many reasons for this reduced pumping power; some examples include high blood pressure, heart attack, heart valve malfunction, heart rhythm malfunction and lung or kidney disease. Symtoms can include shortness of breath, cough, swollen ankles, fatigue, sudden weight gain.

Treatments

1. Medication

1. Diuretics or 'water pills' to reduce excess fluid in the body
2. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are a type of vasodilators which cause the arteries to expand and reduce the workload of the heart
3. Beta blockers reduce the heart's tendency to beat too fast
4. Digitalis increases the contraction of the heart

2. Decreasing the amount of dietary sodium (salt)

3. Bi-ventricular pacemakers help the heart beat stronger and more effectively

4. Healthy lifestyle with doctor approved exercise, weight loss, stopping smoking