• It is a syndrome in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate supply of blood to meet the oxygen and nutritional needs of the body.

• The decrease in amount of blood pumped with each heart contraction causes an increase in circulatory pressure.

-Factors That May Increase Risk-

• Myocardial infarction

• Heart arrhythmias

• Hypertension

• Congenital heart defects

• Lung infections and diseases

• Anemia

• Obesity

-Signs and Symptoms-

• Fatigue

• Shortness of Breath

• Rapid heart rate

• Edema (fluid retention)

• Excessive urination at night

• Cold, sweaty skin

• Restlessness or confusion

• Dry or frothy cough

• Unexplained rapid weight gain

• Loss of appetite

-Measures to Prevent Congestive Heart Failure-

• Avoid stress

• Avoid fatigue by gradually increasing activity, with planned rest periods

• Eat a well-balanced, low-sodium diet

• Avoid extremes in temperature

• Take medication exactly as prescribed

• Weigh daily to control weight and to detect fluid retention

• Restrict fluids if ordered

• Report the following symptoms immediately

  • weight gain

  • loss of appetite

  • increased shortness of breath

  • edema

  • persistent cough

  • frequent urination at night

-Links To Other Informative Sites-

www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1486

www.abouthf.org

www.hrspatients.org

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Last updated: 3-4-2008