Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects more than six million people in the United States and is one of the most common reasons older adults end up in the hospital. At Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, the highly skilled cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and managing congestive heart failure. They create plans that minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call the office nearest you or book a cardiology consultation online today.

What does it mean to have congestive heart failure?

Having congestive heart failure (CHF) means your heart is having a hard time pumping blood, affecting circulation through the heart and body. Despite how it sounds, congestive heart failure doesn’t mean your heart is no longer working but failing to do its job fully.

When the heart can’t adequately pump blood, organs and tissues may not get enough oxygen and nutrients to support normal function. The poorly circulated blood also gathers in other parts of the body, like the legs or lungs.

There are two types of heart failure:

Right-sided heart failure

With right-sided heart failure, the heart can’t pump enough blood to the lungs for reoxygenation. 

Left-sided heart failure

With left-sided heart failure, the heart can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body because the heart is too weak or too stiff. 

What causes congestive heart failure?

You can develop congestive heart failure following an illness that damages the heart, like a viral infection or a heart attack. However, most people develop CHF over a period of time from an underlying medical condition, such as:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Valvular heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease that causes the heart muscle to stiffen or enlarge, making it weaker, leading to heart failure. Genetics, underlying medical conditions, or excess stress may cause cardiomyopathy. Anyone can develop cardiomyopathy at any age.

What happens during an evaluation for congestive heart failure?

Your specialist at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute conducts a patient-centered evaluation for congestive heart failure. They review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. 

Your provider also performs diagnostic tests to evaluate heart health and function, such as:

• Blood work
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT scan
• Stress test
• Genetic testing
• Cardiac catheterization

The information gathered from the tests helps your provider determine the type of congestive heart failure you have and its severity so they can create an effective treatment plan. 

What congestive heart failure treatments can help me feel better?

With the right treatment plan, you can get relief from your congestive heart failure symptoms. Your plan may include lifestyle changes and medications. The team also focuses on treating the underlying cause of your heart failure.

Your cardiologist at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute may also suggest implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy or permanent pacemaker implantation to support heart function.

Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute today or use the online booking button for comprehensive and compassionate congestive heart failure care.