Congestive Heart Failure Treatment

The most vital function of the heart is to pump out oxygen and nutrient rich blood to various parts of the body. When congestive heart failure occurs, then it fails to carry out this work efficiently. This is mostly a chronic condition of the heart and develops over a period of time. However, in some cases, it may occur all of a sudden. The main aim of treatment is to improve functioning of the heart.

Causes and Symptoms

One of the key reasons behind congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease which results from narrowing down of the blood vessels that carries oxygen to the heart. Any infection affecting the heart muscles can weaken them and thus pumping out the blood becomes difficult. High blood pressure, heart attack, abnormality in heart rhythm, thyroid problems can also give rise to this condition. Congenital defects in heart, alcohol or drug abuse are some of the other causes.

In congestive heart failure, the symptoms show up gradually. Initially, patients may just have breathing problems and feel tired after physical activities. Later on, as the heart is unable to pump out the blood properly, fluid build up is likely to occur in various parts of the body. When there is fluid in lungs, it gives symptoms like shortness of breath even when at rest, cough, etc. Fluid in extremities of the body causes swelling of arms, legs and ankles which is also known as edema. Lack of oxygen in various internal organs of the body cans cause severe damage to them. Irregular heartbeat, swollen abdomen, fatigue, weakness, rapid weight gain are some of the other symptoms that are frequently observed.

Treatment

The treatment option availed largely depends on the stages of congestive heart failure and overall health condition of the patient. When it is at an early stage, then it is treated with different drugs. ACE inhibitors are given to expanding the blood vessel to bring about improvement in blood flow. Beta blockers are used for lowering high blood pressure. Digitalis medication is beneficial for the improvement of the pumping action of heart muscles. It can effectively treat rhythmic disturbances of the heart.

These medicines are often accompanied by diuretics in order to facilitate elimination of fluid and salt from the body. When it is caused due to some specific underlying health problem, then suitable medicines are also given to treat that particular disease. All these medicines should be continued as per the instructions of the doctors. There are some medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs are not suitable for these patients and should be strictly avoided. The condition of the patient is monitored closely with a frequent check up after regular interval of time.

Congestive heart failure treatment in elderly mostly involves surgery because medicinal treatment does not show good results in them. Any abnormality in the heart valve is corrected with the help of repair or replacement of the valve by surgical means. Coronary bypass surgery is conducted on some patients to widen up the narrowed coronary arteries. Sometimes, medical devices such as pacemaker are implanted surgically into patients body. It is done where the condition of the heart is week and the heart rate is extremely slow. In severe cases of congestive heart failure, a heart transplant is required.

Natural congestive heart failure treatment is an integral part of the medical treatment. It includes following a diet with low fat and low sodium foods. Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, quitting the habit of smoking and maintaining a health body weight is very important to treat this condition. An active life with regular exercising is a must. In short, one must lead a healthy, stress free life. With all these measures, quality of life of these patients can improve significantly.