Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

The main function of the heart is to supply oxygenated blood to different parts of the body. It pumps oxygen-rich blood into the circulatory system through the arteries. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a medical condition wherein the heart's pumping action weakens considerably. As a result of this weakened action, the tissues of the body do not receive adequate blood and oxygen.

Congestive heart failure does not mean that the heart completely stops working. In this condition, the heart loses its ability to pump sufficient amounts of blood needed by the body to perform its various tasks. As a result, the blood also does not circulate properly which often leads to accumulation of blood (swelling) in some parts of the body. People diagnosed with congestive heart disease often have swollen legs and hands. The ability of the kidney to dispose water and sodium is also hampered. If fluid collects in the lungs, then shortness of breath is also experienced.

In the early stages of congestive heart failure, the heart responds by enlarging itself to meet the needs of the body. It starts pumping faster to increase the output of blood. As the pumping activity becomes stronger, more blood is circulated through the entire body. This helps the body in performing its functions properly. However, over a period of time, the heart muscle weakens and the functioning of the heart slows down. Eventually, people suffering from this condition experience health problems such as restlessness and chest pain.

Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a progressive disease that worsens over a period of time. As the condition aggravates, it affects other organs of the body including lungs and kidneys. The stages of congestive heart failure are as follows:

1. Congestive heart failure develops slowly which is why the body does not show symptoms in the early stages of this condition. Mild weakness may be experienced, but this weakness does not affect the daily routine of an individual.
2. As the disease increases in severity, individuals are not able perform routine exercises. This is because any form of exercise requires adequate supply of oxygen to the body, which in this disease, the heart is unable to provide. The ability to exercise is also affected due to fatigue. Abnormal heartbeats may be experienced even during mild physical exertion.
3. The last stage of this disease is where the patient's everyday tasks are severely hampered. Even simple activities like sweeping and walking cannot be performed. Help is required even with basic daily chores like washing utensils and cooking food. In this stage, symptoms such as shortness of breath, swollen feet and hands, and persistent cough are noticed.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

There are a number of conditions responsible for causing congestive heart failure including, but not limited to:

• Diseases that disrupt the normal functioning of the heart. Coronary artery disease is considered to be the main cause of congestive heart failure.
• Disorders that damage the heart muscle.
• High blood pressure
• Other diseases such as diabetes and anemia also contribute to congestive heart failure.

Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure

There are medicines that help to improve the condition of the heart. Doctors prescribe the following medicine to treat CHF:

• Diuretics (water pills): Diuretics help get rid of unwanted fluid from the body. Intake of water pills result in frequent urination, thus preventing fluid from collecting in the body. Diuretics such as furosemide and bumetanide are given to CHF patients.
• Digoxin: Also called digitalis, this medicine provides strength to the heart muscle, improving the heart's ability to pump effectively.
• Beta Blockers: These drugs are used to bring blood pressure to normal. Beta blockers also help to restore the patient's ability to exercise. The patient shows considerable improvement in his overall movement.

An easy way to prevent congestive heart failure is to follow a healthy lifestyle that decreases the risk of developing heart problems. A proper, healthy diet accompanied by an exercise program will allow the heart to work more efficiently and thus prevent congestive heart failure.