Congestive Heart Failure
Also called: Cardiac failure, Left-sided heart failure, Right-sided heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body. Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way it should.

It is most common in people over 65, and is more common in African-Americans. Also, men have a higher rate of heart failure than women. It is the number one reason for hospitalization for people over age 65.

The weakening of the heart's pumping ability causes

• Blood and fluid to back up into the lungs
• The buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs - called edema
• Tiredness and shortness of breath

The leading causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Treatment includes treating the underlying cause of your heart failure, medicines, and heart transplantation if other treatments fail.

Heart failure is a serious condition. About 5 million people in the U.S. have heart failure. It contributes to 300,000 deaths each year.

Edema
Also called: Dropsy

Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, and sometimes in the abdomen but it can involve your entire body. Causes of edema include

• Eating too much salt
• Sunburn
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver problems from cirrhosis
• Pregnancy
• Problems with lymph nodes, especially after mastectomy
• Some medicines
• Standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm

To keep swelling down, your health care provider may recommend keeping your legs raised when sitting, wearing support stockings, limiting how much salt you eat or taking a medicine called a diuretic - also called a water pill.

How is heart failure treated?

Treatment for heart failure includes lifestyle changes, medications, and specialized care for those in advanced stages of the disease. Lifestyle changes may mean reducing salt and fluid intake, and adopting a plan to lose weight.

Medications for the management of heart failure include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure, beta blockers to slow the heart rate, and Digoxin (Lanoxin) to help the heart beat stronger and pump more blood. For severe heart failure, patients may require additional oxygen, a mechanical heart pump, or transplantation.

"As always, if you are feeling ill, or are presented with any symptom, you should contact your physician for care. This information does not take the place of an office visit."