Congestive Heart Failure

Contrary to a heart “stoppage,” congestive heart failure refers to a situation in which the heart is unable to pump out an ample amount of blood to meet the body’s needs for oxygen and other nutrients. Symptoms that may indicate congestive heart failure include fluid buildup in the lower parts of the body, fluid in the lungs, general fatigue and shortness of breath. Patients who are hypertensive, who have diabetes or coronary artery disease, those who are overweight and/or over the age of 65, and anyone who has sustained a heart attack are all at elevated risk of developing congestive heart failure. Treatments for congestive heart failure can include everything from oral medications to heart transplantation in limited circumstances.