Chronic heart failure is a condition that develops over time in which the heart can not pump blood properly and effectively throughout the body. As a result, the body does not get the oxygen and nutrients needed for the organs to function properly. Contrary to what the name might imply, heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working or pumping; it just means it does not work as well as it should.
Causes
There are a variety of different causes of chronic heart failure. The most common cause is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries, or the arteries that supply blood to the heart, become hardened and narrowed as a result of plaque buildup on the artery walls. The plaque is made up of fatty and cholesterol deposits. The narrowing of the arteries causes chronic heart failure as it reduces the flow of blood to the heart, which in turn makes the heart work harder.
Other common causes of chronic heart failure include:
A previous heart attack. Previous heart attacks damage the heart muscle, oftentimes irreversibly, compromising its ability to effectively pump blood.
High blood pressure. High blood pressure causes the arteries to narrow, making the heart work harder in order to pump blood through the arteries. The increased strain on the heart wears it down sooner than normal and contributes to coronary heart disease, in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow. Once the arteries are narrowed, the flow of blood to the heart decreases and encourages the formation of clots within the arteries.
Arrhythmia (rhythm problems) Arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too fast or too slow, leading to circulation problems.
Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms of chronic heart disease. They include:
Shortness of breath. This is the most common symptom. A person with chronic heart failure may experience shortness of breath even when not doing anything exerting.
Extreme fatigue, often leaving you out of breath after performing such activities as climbing stairs.
Fluid retention resulting in weight gain
Angina (chest pain) as a result of a lack of blood to the heart.
Decreased appetite or heartburn
Swollen veins, especially around the neck
A fast, irregular pulse
Treatment
Treating chronic heart failure often combines lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases surgeries or procedures to help open up the arteries. The most important tools of prevention as well as treatment include controlling the following
Diet. A diet that is high in fat and cholesterol can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two large factors in the development of chronic heart failure.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a contributing factor in the onset of heart failure. Excess weight causes the heart to constantly work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
Smoking. A smoker’s chance of developing heart failure is up to four times greater than that of a nonsmoker. Chemicals in nicotine also reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby reducing oxygen needed by the heart.
Alcohol consumption. A high level of alcohol consumption has been linked to heart failure as well. Aim for no more than two drinks a day as an absolute maximum.