Download What is Congestive Heart Failure?

What is Congestive Heart Failure?
The heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood to all parts of the body. When you have congestive heart
failure, your heart muscle has become weakened or you have developed a heart rhythm that is inefficient.
As a result, your heart can no longer pump blood as effectively as it should.
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What are the causes?
• Clogged arteries don’t allow enough blood to
flow to the heart
• A past heart attack has done some damage
to the heart muscle
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disease
• Diseases of the heart muscle
• Heart defects present since birth
• Infection of the heart and/or heart valves
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What can happen?
• Heart does not pump enough blood.
• Blood backs up in veins.
• Body holds too much fluid.
- Fluid builds up in lungs, called “pulmonary
congestion.”
- Fluid builds up, causing swelling in feet,
ankles, and legs. This is called “edema.”
• Body does not get enough blood,
oxygen or nutrients.
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What are the signs?
• Shortness of breath when lying down or flat
• Difficulty breathing that worsens.
• Coughing or wheezing.
• Sudden weight gain from fluid buildup.
• Swelling (edema) in feet, ankles, legs or
abdomen.
• Confusion or can not think clearly.
• Tired, run-down feeling, fatigue.
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What can I do?
Early Detection and Reporting of Signs and Symptoms of
Congestive Heart Failure May Prevent Hospitalization
• Take medication as prescribed.
• Elevate legs when sitting.
• Weigh yourself daily at the same time each
day and record it. If you see an increase of
3 lbs in 3 days, notify your health care
provider.
• If you have swelling, DO NOT wear
restrictive garments unless directed by
your health care provider.
• Talk to your health care provider about new
home monitoring technologies.
• Alternate activity with rest periods.
• Limit salt intake/sodium intake.
• Call your health care provider for management
of shortness of breath with weight gain.
• For increase in symptoms or symptoms that
do not subside, call 911.
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Your Daily Checklist
Weigh yourself daily when you first wake up and after you urinate.
Always have the same amount of clothing on.
DATE
WEIGHT
SWELLING
OF
LEGS/FEET
SHORTNESS
OF BREATH
DID YOU TAKE
YOUR
MEDICATIONS?
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