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Congestive Heart Failure - Silent Effects Before congestive heart failure is actually diagnosed, extensive damage is caused to the cardiac function, thus impairing the heart’s natural ability to function properly. This happens because some of the leading risk factors associated with congestive heart failure, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all characterized by some silent symptoms that usually surface at a slower rate. More than 550,000 people are affected by congestive heart failure, simply known as heart failure, every year. It affects approximately 5 million people of America and contributes to over 300,000 deaths every year. The condition tends to develop gradually, and there are some people who might not experience any symptoms at all. Some of the symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue are usually non-specific and are usually dismissed. Majority of the cases of congestive heart failure are noted in elderly people, mostly in senior citizens. People aged over 40 have little chances of developing congestive heart failure, while people aged 65 and above stand greater chance. Incase of congestive heart failure, the heart fails to pump adequate amount of blood to the other organs, which in turn limits the amount of oxygen in the blood from being circulated properly and normally. Therefore, congestive heart failure can create havoc on most of our organs and not just the heart. This might happen before or after the diagnosis or before as well as after diagnosis. Further when conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure precede the same, the increasing stress on the tissues might eventually have an affect on every system in our body. For instance, the heart tends to enlarge as it gets weaker, thus making attempts to keep up with the required flow of blood. As the heart enlarges, the walls tend to get thicker and blood along with fluids tends to build up in the veins and the lungs that cause internal swelling and inflammation. This backup of fluids is potentially dangerous for the organs and can cause severe damage, involving the kidneys especially, thus hindering their ability to allow the body to get rid of water and salt, thus leading to failure. The liver might as well be affected silently, as it fails to filter the toxins. The liver also cannot produce the essential proteins and therefore patients lose appetite and tend to feel full all the time prematurely. Some of the overt heart failure symptoms like breathlessness or gasping for breath while lying down or dramatic swelling can be some of the factors that prompt the diagnosis formally. There isn’t any proper cure for congestive heart failure, though there are several treatment options available for targeting the specific cause of the same. Some medications can actually reduce the heart’s workload, thus increasing life span and improving the over all quality of life. Also taking care of some of the lifestyle practices and restricting diet can help in improving the conditions of the heart. Proper exercise, limited salt intake and quitting cigarette and alcohol can lessen the impact of the conditions as well. Overall, one must learn how to take care of oneself and have a balanced life. |
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