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You don't have to face HF aloneThe term “heart failure” makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all and there’s nothing that can be done. Actually, heart failure means that the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should be. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. Your body depends on the heart’s pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally. With heart failure, the weakened heart can’t supply the cells with enough blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath and some people have coughing. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult. Heart failure is a term used to describe a heart that cannot keep up with its workload. The body may not get the oxygen it needs. Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there’s no cure. But many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with heart failure medications and healthy lifestyle changes. It’s also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition. How the normal heart worksThe normal healthy heart is a strong, muscular pump a little larger than a fist. It pumps blood continuously through the circulatory system. Watch an animation of blood flow through the heart. The heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left:
The right atrium takes in oxygen-depleted blood from the rest of the body and sends it through the right ventricle where the blood becomes oxygenated in the lungs. Oxygen-rich blood travels from the lungs to the left atrium, then on to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the rest of the body. The heart pumps blood to the lungs and to all the body’s tissues through a sequence of highly organized contractions of the four chambers. For the heart to function properly, the four chambers must beat in an organized way. What is heart failure?Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Basically, the heart can’t keep up with its workload. Watch an animation of heart failure. At first the heart tries to make up for this by:
The body also tries to compensate in other ways:
These temporary measures mask the problem of heart failure, but they don’t solve it. Heart failure continues and worsens until these compensating processes no longer work. Eventually the heart and body just can’t keep up, and the person experiences the fatigue, breathing problems or other symptoms that usually prompt a trip to the doctor. The body’s compensation mechanisms help explain why some people may not become aware of their condition until years after their heart begins its decline. (It's also a good reason to have a regular checkup with your doctor.) Heart failure can involve the heart’s left side, right side or both sides. However, it usually affects the left side first. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. OverviewIf you've been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, the feeling of your chest constricting can be scary. With congestive heart failure, the heart’s capacity to pump blood cannot keep up with the body’s need. As the heart weakens, blood begins to back up and force liquid through the capillary walls. The term “congestive” refers to the resulting buildup of fluid in the ankles and feet, arms, lungs, and/or other organs. Almost 6 million Americans have congestive heart failure. However, with the correct treatment, patients can recover to good health. What causes congestive heart failure?The most common cause of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
In addition to coronary artery disease, several other conditions can damage the heart muscles, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and some treatments such as chemotherapy. What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?Most commonly, a patient may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, problems with the heart’s rhythm called
arrhythmias, and edema—or fluid buildup—in the legs. Symptoms may be mild or severe and may not always be noticeable. How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?Patients will typically have an intake visit with a heart specialist
and nurse or physician’s assistant. During this visit, the doctor will review the patient’s prior records and his or her current health status. This allows the doctor to establish a picture of where the patient is along the spectrum, and make a plan for prognosis and treatment. The process often takes more than one meeting and involves both the patient’s local cardiologist or referring physician. How is congestive heart failure treated?Doctors will assess the current health status of the patient to establish a baseline, and develop a long-term health plan. This may involve the optimization of medicines and therapies, adding new medication, or possibly enrollment in a clinical trial. Stabilizing and/or reversing a patient’s condition often involves long-term, collaborative follow-up with a referring cardiologist or physician. In serious situations, advanced therapies, which include mechanical solutions, a heart transplant, or hospice, may be offered. What is the outlook for heart failure patients?There are medicines and treatments that reverse many cases of heart failure, and in most cases, the outlook is generally very good. What makes Yale Medicine’s approach to treating congestive heart failure unique?Yale Medicine’s team comprises heart failure cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, dedicated advanced-practice, registered nurses and nurse coordinators, dietitians, exercise physiologists, financial counselors, immunologists
specializing in transplants, psychologists, and specialists in palliative care. With a multidisciplinary approach, Yale Medicine physicians include the patient’s desires as well as input from the family to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that's right for them. How long can you live with congestive heart failure?Most people with end-stage heart failure have a life expectancy of less than 1 year. 4. The leading causes of heart failure are diseases that damage the heart, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Is congestive heart failure very serious?Congestive heart failure (also called heart failure) is a serious condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as efficiently as it should. Despite its name, heart failure doesn't mean that the heart has literally failed or is about to stop working.
What is the main cause of congestive heart failure?The most common cause of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include: high levels of cholesterol and/or triglyceride in the blood. high blood pressure.
What are the chances of surviving congestive heart failure?The study found the average CHF survival rates were: 80-90% after one year, compared to 97% in the general population. 50-60% by the fifth year, compared to 85% in the general population. 30% by year 10, compared to 75% in the general population.
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What does it mean if you have congestive heart failure
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