Ventricular assist devices VAD therapy may be used as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a treatment in lieu of transplant, says Jones. A heart transplant is considered the last resort, with success rates of about 88 percent after one year and 75 percent after five years.
Other treatments. Because sleep apnea—a condition in which the muscles that allow air into the lungs briefly collapse—is linked to heart failure, you may be evaluated and treated for it. Johns Hopkins researchers are on the forefront of the study of congestive heart failure. Among their recent findings:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Steven Jones. Prevention The best way to avoid congestive heart failure is to avoid the conditions that contribute to it, or to carefully manage these conditions if they develop, says Jones.
Among the components of a treatment plan: Lifestyle changes. According to Jones, the types of medications typically prescribed include these: Vasodilators expand blood vessels, ease blood flow, and reduce blood pressure. Diuretics correct fluid retention. Aldosterone inhibitors help with fluid retention and improve chances of living longer. Anticoagulants or antiplatelets such as aspirin help prevent blood clots. Beta-blockers improve heart function and chances of living longer.
Tranquilizers reduce anxiety. Living With Heart failure worsens over time, so you need to be familiar with changes in your body. Some of these can be addressed with different medications. Weighing yourself daily is one of the easiest ways to track fluid retention, indicated by a sudden gain. Swelling in the legs and feet can also mean more fluid is accumulating.
Monitor your health. Keep track of blood pressure, weight and other vital signs as your doctor advises. Get lab work done as recommended, as it gives key clues to your heart health and medication needs. Some medications may not be listed here. You should always consult your doctor before taking any new medications.
CHF can cause your body to retain more fluid than it should. Diuretics should be taken with caution with the following medications, as they may cause an adverse reaction:.
This is an abbreviated list with only the most common drug interactions. You should always talk with your doctor before taking any new medications. Angioplasty , a procedure to open up blocked arteries, is one option. Your cardiologist may also consider heart valve repair surgery to help your valves open and close properly. As mentioned, early signs of congestive heart failure may not be very noticeable.
Here are some early warning signs to discuss with your healthcare provider:. Blood and other fluids can back up in certain areas and cause swelling edema. CHF may result from other health conditions that directly affect your cardiovascular system. When your blood pressure is higher than normal , it may lead to CHF. Hypertension has many different causes. Among them is the hardening of your arteries, which increases pressure in the arteries.
Cholesterol and other types of fatty substances can block the coronary arteries, which are the small arteries that supply blood to the heart. This causes the arteries to become narrow.
Your heart valves regulate blood flow through your heart by opening and closing to let blood in and out of the chambers.
This can be a result of a heart infection or defect. While heart-related diseases can lead to CHF, there are other seemingly unrelated conditions that may increase your risk, too. Severe infections and allergic reactions may also contribute to CHF. There are two kinds of left-sided heart failure:. Right-sided CHF occurs when the right ventricle has difficulty pumping blood to your lungs.
Blood backs up in your blood vessels, which causes fluid retention in your lower extremities, abdomen, and other vital organs. Usually, the disease starts in the left side and then travels to the right when left untreated. About 6. A report from the American Heart Association estimates that about 50 percent of people diagnosed with CHF live past 5 years.
An older study showed results that some lower-risk patients who were diagnosed prior to the age of 50 had life spans of about 20 years after diagnosis. Age at diagnosis, other conditions, and sex also contributed to variables in life expectancy , with some under 3 years after diagnosis. The prognosis and life expectancy for congestive heart failure can vary based on many factors.
Generally, early diagnosis and following a treatment plan can lead to better management and a longer life. After reporting your symptoms to your doctor, they may refer you to a heart specialist, or cardiologist. The cardiologist will perform a physical exam, which will involve listening to your heart with a stethoscope to detect abnormal heart rhythms. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose heart conditions.
Because these tests measure different things, your doctor may recommend a few to get a full picture of your current condition. Blood tests can check for abnormal blood cells and infections. This includes testing for blood count, kidney function, and liver function. They can also check the level of BNP , a hormone that rises with heart failure.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. See, Play and Learn No links available. Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. The weakening of the heart's pumping ability causes Blood and fluid to back up into the lungs The buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs - called edema Tiredness and shortness of breath Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease , high blood pressure and diabetes.
Start Here. Diagnosis and Tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Prevention and Risk Factors. Treatments and Therapies. Living With.
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