Why are CHF patients short of breath?
What Is Heart Failure (HF)?Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a condition in which the heart cannot (fails to) pump enough blood to organs and tissues. One side of the heart (or both sides) cannot force enough blood out, so blood backs up. Congestion, or abnormal buildup of fluid, occurs in tissues or organs, and blood doesn’t move well through the vascular system. Show
If the left side of the heart fails, the system on the right side becomes congested. The congested side of the heart must work harder and may also fail. The same thing can happen on the right side. What Causes HF?Diseases that stress heart muscle can cause HF. These conditions include high blood pressure, heart attack, heart muscle and valve diseases, infections, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), anemia, thyroid disease, pulmonary disease, and too much fluid in the body. What Are the Symptoms of HF?When the left side of the heart fails, fluid leaks into the lungs. Fatigue (tiredness), difficulty breathing (especially at night when lying down), coughing, or shortness of breath can result. In right-sided heart failure, the liver swells, which may cause pain in the abdomen (belly). Legs and feet may swell also. How Is HF Diagnosed?A physical examination will show changes, such as swelling in the legs or crackling breath sounds, indicating excess fluid in the lungs. A chest x-ray can show an enlarged heart and signs of fluid accumulation into the lungs. An echocardiogram (a test using sound waves to show the moving heart) can also reveal heart size and disease of the heart muscle or valve problems. How Is HF Treated?Initial symptoms should be managed so the failing heart doesn’t have to work as hard. The cause of HF also needs treatment. For example, if a heart valve problem is the cause, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the valve. Lifestyle changes will be needed. Smoking lowers the blood oxygen level and makes the heart work harder, so avoid tobacco. Less fluid and salt in the diet reduces fluid in the body. Also, if overweight, losing weight will help. Dietitians and nutritionists can help plan a diet. Oxygen may be given to reduce the workload on the lungs. Medicines may be prescribed to reduce fluid in the body or help the ventricle contract better. Diuretics remove fluid. Nitrates open blood vessels so blood flows more easily. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help the ventricle contract. Beta-blockers help by slowing the heart rate. Other drugs reduce blood pressure. All may have side effects, including dehydration, cough, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators may be used in some cases. Heart transplantation is an option in some patients when other treatments fail. DOs and DON’Ts in Managing HF:
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Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. OverviewHeart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Certain heart conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. Proper treatment can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising, reducing salt (sodium) in your diet and managing stress — can improve your quality of life. However, heart failure can be life-threatening. People with heart failure may have severe symptoms, and some may need a heart transplant or a ventricular assist device (VAD). One way to prevent heart failure is to prevent and control conditions that can cause it, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. SymptomsHeart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or it may start suddenly (acute). Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:
When to see a doctorSee your doctor if you think you might be experiencing signs or symptoms of heart failure. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you have any of the following:
Although these signs and symptoms may be due to heart failure, there are many other possible causes, including other life-threatening heart and lung conditions. Don't try to diagnose yourself. Emergency room doctors will try to stabilize your condition and determine if your symptoms are due to heart failure or something else. If you have a diagnosis of heart failure and if any of the symptoms suddenly become worse or you develop a new sign or symptom, it may mean that existing heart failure is getting worse or not responding to treatment. This may also be the case if you gain 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) or more within a few days. Contact your doctor promptly. Sign up for free, and receive heart transplant and heart failure content, plus expertise on heart health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your
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e-mail. CausesHeart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. However, heart failure can also occur if the heart becomes too stiff. In heart failure, the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles) may become stiff and not fill properly between beats. In some people, the heart muscle may become damaged and weakened. The ventricles may stretch to the point that the heart can't pump enough blood through the body. Over time, the heart can no longer keep up with the typical demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of the body. Your doctor can determine how well your heart is pumping by measuring how much blood is pumped out with each beat (ejection fraction). Ejection fraction is used to help classify heart failure and guide treatment. In a healthy heart, the ejection fraction is 50% or higher — meaning that more than half of the blood that fills the ventricle is pumped out with each beat. But heart failure can occur even with a normal ejection fraction. This happens if the heart muscle becomes stiff from conditions such as high blood pressure. Heart failure can involve the left side (left ventricle), right side (right ventricle) or both sides of your heart. Generally, heart failure begins with the left side, specifically the left ventricle — your heart's main pumping chamber.
Any of the following conditions can damage or weaken your heart and can cause heart failure. Some of these can be present without your knowing it:
Causes of sudden (acute) heart failure also include:
Risk factorsA single risk factor may be enough to cause heart failure, but a combination of factors also increases your risk. Risk factors for heart failure include:
ComplicationsComplications of heart failure depend on the severity of heart disease, your overall health and other factors such as your age. Possible complications can include:
PreventionThe key to preventing heart failure is to reduce your risk factors. You can control or eliminate many of the risk factors for heart disease by making healthy lifestyle changes and by taking the medications prescribed by your doctor. Lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent heart failure include:
Dec. 10, 2021 Why does shortness of breath occur in CHF?Overview. Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
What helps with shortness of breath due to heart failure?How Is Shortness of Breath Treated? The type of treatment depends on the underlying cause. If you are diagnosed with heart failure, you may be treated with medications such as fluid pills (diuretics), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, and beta-blockers.
Why do patients with cardiac disease often have shortness of breath?If the heart is ill or damaged, it cannot pump out enough of the blood it gets from the lungs. When that happens, pressure in the heart builds up and pushes fluid into the lungs' air sacs, where it doesn't belong. Breathing problems may happen over time, or they may come all of a sudden.
What stage of heart failure is shortness of breath?Stage 2 of Congestive Heart Failure
Stage two of congestive heart failure will produce symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations after you participate in physical activity.
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