Congestive heart failure
The term "congestive heart failure" is somewhat misleading. The heart does not fail, but rather that it does not contract as strongly as before, and does not pump enough blood around the body to meet the body's needs in terms of oxygen. This is caused by a buildup of fluid in the lungs that impedes the breathing or causes disturbances to the lower limbs. Again, these symptoms are not manifested in all cases. Heart failure is a chronic condition, meaning that it lasts long.
Blood flow to the heart is slowed, so the blood is back in the veins, causing the accumulation of fluid into surrounding tissues, usually the feet and legs. Fluid retention, called edema, causes swelling of the feet, legs and ankles. Edema can spread
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This can lead to heart and damage the heart muscle permanently crisis;
• high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension;
• disease of the heart valves - there may be a leak in the valves or those may stiffen, especially the sigmoid valves and mitral;
• a disorder of cardiac muscle, which is also called cardiomyopathy. That may be caused by a virus, bacterium or other infections;
• damage to the heart caused by the abuse of alcohol or drugs;
• congenital heart disease and heart defects that exist at birth;
• an irregular heartbeat, especially if there is rapid or chaotic. The heart does not pump enough blood when his rhythm is abnormal;
• certain lung disorders, such as pulmonary hypertension, which occurs when the right ventricle dilates, causing heart failure on the right. Normal Heart congestive heart
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T How is the diagnosis?
During physical examination:
lungs - produce a sizzling; heart - heart murmur, gallop rhythm, noise third; neck - distended veins; enlarged liver; expansion of the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid; leg swelling (edema). é START
Tests
chest x-ray - shows pulmonary congestion and an enlarged