Types of congestive heart failure include: Left-sided heart failure It may affect just one side of the heart - the oxygenated or deoxygenated side - or both sides. There are several types of heart failure. People who have received a diagnosis of heart failure should monitor their symptoms carefully and report any sudden changes to their doctor immediately. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to see a doctor. It may also activate stress receptors in the body, increasing the release of stress hormones.
Irregular and rapid heartbeats: The heart might pump more quickly to try to counteract the lower volume of blood that it pumps out with each contraction. It can also cause weight gain.įatigue and dizziness: A reduction in the amount of blood reaching the brain and other organs can cause weakness, dizziness, and confusion. It can also cause a dry, hacking cough.įluid retention: Less blood reaches the kidneys, which can result in water retention and can cause swelling of the ankles, legs, and abdomen. The following are possible symptoms of heart failure:Ĭongestion in the lungs: Fluid builds up in the lungs and causes shortness of breath, even when a person is resting, and particularly when they are lying down.
Conditions that overwork the heart: Examples include valve disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and heart irregularities present at birth.Possible causes include genetic conditions, drug side effects, and infections. Nonischemic cardiomyopathy: This disease involves weakness of the heart muscle caused by something other than a blockage in the coronary arteries.The damage may also result from an increased demand for blood flow due to a fixed blockage. It can result from a sudden blockage of the coronary arteries that causes scarring and reduces how effectively the heart can pump. Heart attack: This involves damage to the heart muscle.If these become blocked or narrowed, the flow of blood diminishes, and the heart does not receive the blood supply that it needs. Coronary artery disease: The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with blood.This article focuses on systolic congestive heart failure, and we cover its causes, symptoms, types, and treatment.Īny condition that damages the heart muscle can cause systolic heart failure. The condition can be systolic or diastolic, depending on whether it affects the heart’s ability to contract or relax.
There is usually no cure for heart failure, but with the right treatment, people can often lead enjoyable and productive lives.Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 6 million adults in the United States have heart failure.
Everyday activities that used to be easy may become challenging. If the heart becomes weakened and cannot supply the cells with sufficient blood, it can lead to fatigue and breathlessness. When the cells do not receive adequate nourishment, the body cannot function properly. The body relies on the pumping action of the heart to deliver nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to each of its cells. However, heart failure is a serious condition, in which the heart does not pump blood around the body efficiently. Despite its name, congestive heart failure does not necessarily mean that the heart has stopped working.