CHF Risk Factors

A well-known investigation into the causes and risk factors of cardiovascular disease began in 1948. Known as the Framingham Study, the research studied 5209 men and women and eventually began to study over 5000 of the original group's offspring.   One of the first findings of the study, and many that followed, was that hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease. Not... Read more >

CHF Prevention

Preventing heart disease is both simple and difficult. It's simple because most people in this day and age understand exactly what they should do to be healthy. It's difficult because old habits, fat-laden diets, and sedentary lifestyles are hard to change. Drink in Moderation Excessive alcohol use can damage your heart. Avoid drinking heavily. If you are a regular, heavy drinker, consider getting help. Heavy... Read more >

CHF Symptoms

In the earliest stages of heart failure, the body tries to compensate for the decreasing blood flow by building up the heart muscle so that it actually becomes larger and pumps harder. Eventually the heart weakens and symptoms begin to appear. Congenital heart failure may have additional symptoms that depend on the side of the heart that is affected. Left-Sided Heart Failure Symptoms The left atrium and the left... Read more >

Diagnosing CHF

In the course of checking your heart during your annual physical, your doctor may ask you a number of questions about your health. Your truthful, candid answers will help your doctor determine whether you're at risk for heart disease.   If heart disease or congestive heart failure is suspected, your doctor will order a number of tests before a definitive medical diagnosis of congestive heart failure is... Read more >

CHF Treatments

Treatment for congestive heart failure is determined by how advanced the disease is. It can range from lifestyle changes, such as adopting a better diet and getting more exercise, to more extreme interventions, such as heart surgery or a heart transplant.Diet and Exercise as Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure Fluid retention in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and in the organs and tissues (peripheral edema) is a... Read more >

Future Treatments

Prolonging life is the major goal of heart medication research. Until a cure is found for congestive heart failure, efforts to strengthen heart contractions, rid the body of excess fluid, and decrease the heart's workload by reducing elevated blood pressure are the main strategies of treatment.   The following medications are currently under study in clinical trials and may prove beneficial in advancing the... Read more >

CHF Overview

As we age, each of us experiences a decline in heart function. The heart is, after all, a muscle subject to the weakening that happens to most of our physical systems as we grow older. Heart disease has become the most common cause of death in both men and women.Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a frightening term that indicates that the heart's decline has reached a point where it is no longer pumping well enough... Read more >

Caregivers

People who care for a person with congestive heart failure might feel overwhelmed at times. In addition to the physical demands, heart failure caregivers must also deal with doctor appointments, health insurance companies and more. In addition, caregivers must also deal with the emotional aspects of their work. Many experience feelings of sadness, guilt or even anger.   While caring for a congestive heart... Read more >

Support Groups

If you or someone you know is affected by congestive heart failure, you might feel alone or overwhelmed at times. Luckily, you don't have to cope with heart failure on your own: Thousands of support groups exist to help you connect with others whose lives are impacted by heart failure.Local Support Groups Congestive heart failure support groups in your area can put you face-to-face with others who have similar... Read more >

Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating a heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease or slow the progression of such heart conditions as congestive heart failure. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can keep you and your heart in top condition.   Here are some tips on following a heart-healthy diet.Avoiding High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Foods One of the most important steps you can take to lower... Read more >

Exercise Tips

Preventing heart disease and heart conditions is extremely important to a person's health. Luckily there are a number of things you can do to prevent heart conditions such as congestive heart failure and to reduce the severity of existing heart conditions. These include eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.Benefits of Regular Exercise Getting regular exercise offers your body many benefits... Read more >

Self-Care

If you have congestive heart failure, your doctor has probably talked to you about lifestyle changes you can make to slow the progression of disease. In fact, some simple lifestyle changes can keep people from ever developing congestive heart failure or other heart diseases in the first place.   Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to keep your heart functioning properly. Preventing Heart... Read more >