Congestive Heart Failure End Stage

Congestive heart failure (CHF), often termed as a heart failure is a condition in which a structure or function of the heart impairs its ability to pump and supply sufficient blood to meet the organ's needs. In short, heart failure does not mean that the heart stops working, it just is not capable of pumping adequate blood to meet the body's requirement for ensuring smooth organ functioning. CHF affects the heart's capability to pump oxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and its passage through the circulatory system.

End Stage of CHF

This condition means one has a weak heart. There are many causes as why this condition could reach its final stage. Arteries become more narrow, further slowing down the pumping of the blood. Previous heart attack, myocardial infarction, infection of the heart valves, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol and substance abuse, etc. The list for contracting and advancement towards heart failure is long.

Symptoms of CHF

Symptoms of CHF vary depending upon the oxygenated blood depleted affected organ. In the last stages, the symptoms are quite severe. An overwhelming feeling of weakness, fatigue accompanied with constant dizziness is a symptom. This occurs as the brain receives lesser blood each passing day. The heart beats become extremely irregular, mainly very fats as it needs to work harder to pump adequate blood to the body.

A severe congestion of lungs with the accumulation of fluids causes shortness of breath while performing most activity. Shortness of breath is caused by fluid retention in the lungs, This causes more problems for asthmatic patients or those into heavy exercising. CHF patients often lay awake at night gasping for breath. A persistent bout of cough or wheezing is a common occurrence. Besides lungs, there is water and fluid retention in the kidneys as the kidneys receive inadequate blood. This results in swollen ankles, legs and abdomen.

Unexplained weight gain and a loss of appetite are also seen as symptoms. Some also experience abdomen bloating. As the body's organs keep retaining fluids, the body decreases its urine elimination causing swelling and inflammation. The end stage of congestive heart failure can be treated, and is not as it may sound. CHF is diagnosed using chest X-ray, echocardiogram (echo), electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and a diagnostic blood test known as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level. Treatment depends upon severity, prior heart history as well as the age of the individual.

Dose and duration of medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, diuretics, etc. are prescribed keeping the condition in mind. Surgical procedures like coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, etc. or use of assist devices like heart pumps are also part of recommended treatment. Although, a lot is dependent on the severity of the final stage, a few lifestyle changes too, will help.