Acute Congestive Heart Failure

The human heart is the most important organ in the body, without which it is impossible to survive. The heart is the center of the circulatory system, which transports blood, essential nutrients to the other parts of the body. However, due to an unhealthy lifestyle, the heart tends to get affected by many disorders.

One such disorder that affects the proper functioning of the heart is a condition called acute congestive heart failure.

It is a disorder where the heart fails to fill or pump enough blood to meet the requirements of the body. This condition, which is also known as heart failure in simple parlance, may lead to the narrowing of the arteries in the heart or cause high blood pressure over a period of time, which may result in the heart becoming too stiff or weak to be unable to pump blood.

There are various levels which are categorized depending on the severity of this disorder. This is a debilitating condition, which if not diagnosed in time, may become life-threatening and in some cases may even prove fatal. 

One of the best ways to prevent this deteriorating condition is to curb the risk factors like obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, etc. that may cause heart failure.

The causes of congestive heart failure are as below:

• Faulty heart valves or damage to the muscles of the heart (also known as cardiomyopathy).
• Inflammation of the heart muscles or myocarditis.
• Congenital heart defects.

• Heart arrhythmia, also called abnormal heart rhythms.
• Other diseases like severe anemia, amyloidosis, which is the build up of excess protein in the muscles, blood clot in lungs (pulmonary embolism) and improper functioning of the thyroid gland contribute to this condition.

The symptoms of congestive cardiac failure may vary from individual to individual and the degree to which the heart muscles have been affected. Given below are some of the common symptoms that have been observed in the affected individuals

• Fatigue is one of the earliest symptoms which is an indicator for this underlying disorder. The individual may suffer from bouts of unexplained tiredness and loss of energy.

• Accumulation of excess fluid, leading to swelling in the abdomen, ankles and legs. This condition is known as water retention or edema.
• Insomnia and inability to sleep unless sitting upright or straight.
• Increased urination, especially during the night.
• Feeling of shortness of breath, accompanied by pain in the left side of the body and excessive sweating.

• Pain in the abdomen and loss of appetite.
• Nausea, followed by vomiting and fainting spells.
• Irregular and rapid heartbeat.
• Sudden and unexplained weight gain due to retention of fluid.
• Cognitive dysfunction, difficulty concentrating and decreased alertness.

Heart failure can lead to certain complications that can affect the overall health of an individual and may be life-threatening as well. In the absence of proper treatment, these complications can even result in fatality.

This heart disorder can give rise to complications like kidney failure, liver damage, disorders of the heart valves, and stroke. These health issues can be caused due to reduced blood flow to the organs. In some cases, edema or water retention in the extremities can also be observed.

Before deciding the form of treatment, the doctor may advice the patient to take a series of tests like chest X-ray, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to diagnose the seriousness of the disease. The doctor may also suggest an MRI or CT scan and an angiogram.

Once the condition is diagnosed, the treatment may include prescription of medications like beta blockers, diuretics, digitalis, vasodilators and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, or ACE inhibitors.

ACE inhibitors and vasodilators expand the blood vessels and decrease the resistance of the blood circulation. This makes the blood to flow easily through the blood vessels, hence easing the pumping of the heart. Beta blockers improve the pumping of the left ventricle of the heart. Diuretics eliminate the excess salt and fluid from the body.

Medications to bring down high blood pressure can help to bring down the severity of congestive heart failure. In case of an abnormal heart valve or damaged heart, surgery may be considered as an option where the diseased part of the organ is entirely replaced.

Apart from the above methods of treatment, correct diet, a change in the daily activities, ample rest and quitting bad habits is also necessary for averting a irreversible condition. Remember a healthy body means a healthy heart.

It is essential to identify and recognize the stages of congestive heart failure in its early phase so that it is easier to treat this condition. Though there is no stipulated survival rate and life expectancy of this disorder, with the help of prompt and accurate medical supervision, patients suffering from this disorder can lead a near-normal life.