CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic complex clinical condition, which prevents filling or emptying of blood from the heart.

CHF is caused by either a structural anomaly (valvular or congenital) and/or certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leaves the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently.

CHF Symptoms: CHF Symptoms may include;

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) on exertion or at rest

Fatigue/weakness

Edema of legs (ankles and feet)

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Exercise intolerance

Increased urination at night

Abdominal swelling (ascites)

Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Lack of appetite and nausea

Sudden, severe shortness of breath

Chest pain.

CHF Clinical Indicators:

Echo:  Ejection fraction (EF) of <40% = Systolic heart failure

 Ejection fraction (EF) of >50%= Diastolic heart failure.

Elevated BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)

+Ve Chest X-ray for Pulmonary Vascular Congestion/Pulmonary Edema.

Medications:

IV or PO diuretics (Lasix, Bumex, Zaroxylin)

ACE Inhibitor/ARB

Betablockers, Coumadin, ASA (Aspirin), IV Dobutamine

Types of CHF:

Systolic heart failure: The left ventricle can't contract adequately, indicating a    pumping problem. HFrEF (Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction).

Diastolic heart failure: Also called HFpEF (Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). The left ventricle will not relax or fill fully, indicating a filling problem.