Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure affects approximately 5 million Americans. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in patients older than 65. Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it means the heart's ability to pump is weaker than normal. Heart failure causes the blood moving through the heart and body at a slower than normal rate, which results in increased pressure in the heart. As a result, the heart cannot pump an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to meet the body's needs. The chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body or by becoming more stiff and thickened. As time goes on the heart muscles weaken and are unable to pump as strongly. The kidneys respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and sodium. Congestive heart failure occurs as a result when fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs, the body becomes congested.

Heart failure is caused by many conditions including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disease
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Heart defects present at birth

In addition, heart failure can occur when several diseases or conditions are present at once:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD), a disease of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, causes decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. If the arteries become blocked or severely narrowed, the heart is starved for oxygen and nutrients.
• Cardiomyopathy is damage to the heart muscle. Causes include artery or blood flow problems, infections, and alcohol and drug abuse.
• Heart attack may be caused when a coronary artery becomes suddenly blocked, stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle and damaging it. All or part of the heart muscle becomes cut off from its supply of oxygen. A heart attack can damage the heart muscle, which may lead to scarring and prevent the heart from functioning properly.

Today there are options available to treat heart failure. Regular medications and lifestyle changes combined with regular monitoring is the first line of treatment. As the condition progresses, more advanced treatment options are available. Dr. Stahura has many years of experience in treating patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease. For a consultation please contact our office to schedule an appointment.