Congestive Heart Failure

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Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a condition in which your heart is not pumping as well as it should to meet your body's needs. CHF can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, generalized weakness, and swelling in the ankles, feet, and abdomen. Numerous heart conditions can lead to heart failure. Over time, conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure or heart valve disease gradually sap your heart of its strength, leaving it too weak or too stiff to fill and pump efficiently.

Medications can improve the symptoms of chronic heart failure and lead to improved survival. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, reducing salt intake, managing stress, treating depression and especially losing excess weight, also can help prevent fluid buildup and improve your quality of life.

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