Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

The human body is as complex in functionality as it is simple to understand. The anatomy works on the synchronized and co-ordinated functions that are carried out by vital organs like the heart, brain and kidneys, a few power components of a larger design. The main function of the human heart is to receive impure blood or blood deprived of a healthy oxygen content and purify the same. This organ also bears the responsibility of re-pumping the purified blood to the rest of the body. The left and right chambers within the heart take care of the process. The blood is supplied to and from the heart through the arteries and veins. This process is one the most primary needs of the body.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure relates to a heart disease in which the heart is unable to carry out this basic function. There are a number of causes of the condition, but the primary among them is the occurrence of diseases that:

• Tend to weaken the muscles of the heart as in the case of a cardiac arrest or myocarditis
• Demand for a greater oxygenated blood supply, much more than the heart is capable of handling
• Result in the stiffening of the muscles in and around the heart as in the case of hemochromatosis

The heart is a complex organ in function, but a simple one in design. The right and left atrium function as the upper chambers, while the left and right ventricles function as the lower ones. These muscular chambers synchronize movements to function like a pump. The blood is pushed on as the muscles contract. This systole movement purifies the blood and sends the oxygenated blood supply to the vital organs of the body.

The pumping action of the heart is impaired due to muscle weakening or dysfunction of systole movement. Diseases like amyloidosis result in stiffening of the muscles in and around the heart. The resultant diastolic dysfunction causes congestive heart failure. High blood pressure that is not addressed in time and even hyperthyroidism results in the condition. In the latter, there is an abnormally high demand for oxygenated blood by various organ tissues.

If left undiagnosed or untreated, congestive heart failure results in permanent damage to major organs of the body. Depending on the extent to which the condition takes a toll on vital organs, the patient is weakened due to:

• Inability to excrete sodium and water
• Retention of excess fluid in the lungs
• Fatal assimilation of toxins
• Reduction in the quantity of essential proteins
• Inefficiency in absorbing important nutrients

Regular check-ups at the local health care center are vital to eliminate the possibility of neglect towards the onset of artery disease, hypertension and disorders involving heart tissue and muscles. You also need to check for viral infections and thyroid disorders. There are a number of drugs that could also lead to the condition, like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, ibuprofen, Aleve and calcium channel blockers.

Symptoms

The symptoms of congestive heart failure include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling of the ankles, legs or abdomen
• Breathlessness
• Insomnia
• Increased urination, particularly at night
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Congestive heart failure spells the onset of a break-down of one of the most vital body organs. The condition should ideally be researched upon and spoken about with the family physician to avoid neglect arising out of ignorance. It is wise to react to any of the symptoms instead of procrastinating and delaying treatment. Timely treatment helps prevent subsequent, related complications.