Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the term doctors use to describe a weakened heart that is not working or pumping properly. As a result, the body is not being supplied the oxygen-rich blood and nutrients it needs. This diagnosis does not mean that the heart has "failed," but rather, that it is not pumping as well as it should.

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

• Breathing problems are the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure. Shortness of breath caused by a build-up of fluid in the lungs is typical. Breathing problems usually occur during exercise, but it can also happen while resting or sleeping.
• Congestive heart failure is usually associated with a build-up of fluid in the body. When the heart is not pumping efficiently, the blood flow slows down. As the blood backs up in the veins, it forces fluid to form in the tissues of the feet and legs. The swelling that results in the legs, ankles and feet is called edema. Edema may also occur in the abdomen and liver.
• Another form of edema is pulmonary edema. This occurs when the lungs fill with fluids, causing shortness of breath and a lack of stamina and vitality.
• Other symptoms include tiredness and a feeling of weakness and inability to concentrate.

What are the causes of congestive heart failure?

All of the following can cause CHF by reducing the strength of the heart muscle and preventing it from pumping normally:

• Restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease) reduces the ability of the heart to pump properly
• A previous heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI). Scar tissue from the heart attack may prevent the heart from pumping normally
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disease
• Diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• Congenital heart disease - heart defects that are present at birth
• Heart valve and/or heart muscle infection (endocarditis and/or myocarditis)

Any one or a combination of these causes can lead to congestive heart failure. And because these conditions are usually present for many years, CHF becomes worse over the course of time.

How is congestive heart failure treated?

Following a diagnosis of CHF, your doctor will prescribe treatment to manage the condition. By following the prescribed treatment, patients are usually able to reduce breathing difficulties, swelling and fatigue.

One of the most important things you can do to reduce the effects of CHF is to limit or restrict their intake of salt. Salt in the body is a leading contributor of water retention, which makes the heart work much harder and causes the swelling and shortness of breath associated with CHF. In addition, excess salt can result in an imbalance of important minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

Treatment guidelines for CHF

1. Remove the salt shaker from your table and replace it with low-salt seasoning.

2. Use fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables.

3. Restrict the use of processed foods and canned foods and vegetables.

4. Learn to read the nutritional labels on foods, especially the sodium content. You'll be surprised to see how high the sodium content is on these foods - avoid them!

5. Ask your doctor about which salt substitutes are best for you - some products contain excessive potassium, which may or may not be appropriate for your condition.

6. Do not use seasonings that taste salty.

7. Do not eat foods or snacks that contain salt.

8. Do not take medications that contain sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate for headache, heartburn or indigestion.

Medical treatment of CHF

1. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic or "water pill" to help rid the body of extra water and sodium. One side effect of diuretics is that they can cause potassium loss. Potassium is an essential mineral that the body needs to help the heart and nervous system work properly. It is important to eat fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium such as bananas, orange and grapefruit juice, cantaloupes and potatoes. If you are still not getting enough potassium, your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement. Potassium content should be monitored because excessive amounts can be dangerous to kidney function.

2. Your doctor may prescribe a medication called digitalis (Digoxin) to strengthen your heart's pumping action. If digitalis is prescribed, your doctor will monitor the effects.

3. Special medications called vasodilators may be prescribed to cause your blood vessels to open or expand. This allows more blood to flow through your circulatory system and reduces the amount of work your heart has to do.