The heart performs various key functions in the body, such as pumping blood and oxygen and delivering waste products (carbon dioxide) back to the lungs to be removed. However, the organ is susceptible to issues that interfere with its functioning. One of them is congestive heart failure, in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood. The condition can make blood and fluids accumulate in the lungs and legs, so it requires immediate treatment.

Causes
Congestive heart failure might be brought on by a weakened, damaged, or stiff heart. If the heart is damaged or weak, its chambers may stretch and get bigger. As a result, the heart cannot pump the necessary amount of blood. Alternatively, if the chambers of the heart (ventricles) stiffen, they might be unable to fill up with enough blood between beats. Other factors may also contribute to the development of congestive heart failure. For instance, one might develop conditions due to infections that weaken the heart muscle muscles. Poor lifestyle habits can also be a risk factor. Several health conditions might also trigger congestive heart failure, such as:

– Coronary artery disease
– Heart attacks
– Congenital heart defect
– Diabetes
– High blood pressure
– Cardiomyopathy
– Kidney disease
– Arrhythmia
– Clots in the lungs

Congestive heart failure often begins in the lower left chamber (main pumping chamber) of the organ and is called left-sided heart failure. But, the condition can also affect the right side and is called right-sided heart failure. 

Signs
Congestive heart failure results in an inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood, which can cause various problems in the body. 

– Shortness of breath
– Swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles
– Swelling around the belly
– Fluid buildup
– Nausea
– Pain in the chest if heart failure is caused by a heart attack
– Lack of appetite
– Reduced ability to exercise
– Trouble focussing or reduced alertness
– Rapid or irregular heartbeat
– Wheezing
– A cough that doesn’t go away or is accompanied by white or pink mucus with spots of blood

If one notices any symptoms of congestive heart failure, they must see their healthcare provider immediately. To get immediate medical intervention for symptoms like fainting or severe weakness, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and severe, sudden shortness of breath, one should contact the emergency helpline.

Management options
Before developing a treatment plan, doctors conduct a series of tests to determine the stage of heart failure. Staging helps them decide upon the most appropriate treatment. 

Prescription treatment: A combination of prescription-based treatments might help treat heart failure. The options can vary based on the precise cause of heart failure and the severity of the symptoms. Some prescription treatment options can help relax the blood vessels to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the strain on the heart. Others might make one urinate more often to prevent the build-up of fluid in the body. One should note that the healthcare provider may change prescriptions or their dosage frequently to deal with the changes in the stage of congestive heart failure. 

Surgery: Surgical procedures may be required to place a heart device that can help address the complications leading to heart failure. A few common procedures are:

– Coronary bypass surgery
– Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
– Heart valve repair or replacement
– Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
– Heart transplant
– Ventricular assist device (VAD)

Lifestyle changes
Apart from treatments, a healthcare professional may also recommend lifestyle and home remedies to help one improve overall health and deal with ongoing treatments. These changes can also help prevent the condition from worsening.

Checking for complications: When dealing with heart problems, one should check their legs, ankles, and feet for swelling. If they notice any swelling, they must contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Making better nutritional choices: When dealing with heart failure, one must follow a healthy food regimen, which consists of fruits and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains. One should also limit their intake of saturated fats.

Exercising: Staying active by indulging in moderate exercises can help keep the heart and body healthy. A healthcare provider may recommend walking or other routines to stay active.

Managing stress: Strong emotions and stress could make the heart beat faster and also trigger a spike in blood pressure, which could worsen heart failure symtoms. So, when dealing with cardiovascular issues, one must look for ways to reduce emotional stress, such as practicing mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises. Joining support groups to learn more about the condition and express oneself can also help one deal with stress.