Strong Hearts: Navigating Life with CHF

 The doctor can run many different tests to check for Congestive Heart Failure. Those tests include: Blood work - Specifically a BNP - this tests for the amount of fluids in the body (even fluids that are not noticeable such as around the heart/lungs etc. Chest xray - this too can also show congestive heart failure  Echocardiogram - this is an ultrasound of your heart. This is able to give a 2D version of the heart for your doctor (typically a cardiologist) to determine the amount of heart failure you have. It also helps the doctor to determine if there has been any damage to your hearts ventricles, valves, muscles etc.

 Home Symptom tracker from the American Heart Association

 There are several treatments for congestive heart failure. Here are some options: 1. Taking medications. 2. Limiting salt in your diet. 3. Drinking less fluids, which includes foods that can turn into liquids like Jello, soups, and ice cream. 4. Daily exercise. 5. Surgery, which can include a heart transplant if needed. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-failure.html

  Several medical conditions can raise your chances of heart failure, including: 1. Coronary artery disease (CAD) - This is the most common type of heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks. 2. Diabetes 3. High blood pressure 4. Obesity 5. Heart valve disease 6. Other heart-related conditions Unhealthy habits can also make your risk for heart failure higher, especially if you have one of the conditions above. Unhealthy habits include: - Smoking - Eating foods that are high in fat, cholesterol, and salt - Not getting enough exercise - To much alcohol intake https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-failure.html

 According to the CDC: Facts about heart failure in the United States In the United States, nearly  6.7 million  adults 20 years old or older have heart failure. In 2022, heart failure was mentioned on 457,212 death certificates (and responsible for 13.9% of all causes of death). Heart failure cost the nation an estimated  $30.7 billion  in 2012. This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat heart failure, and missed workdays (CDC, n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-failure.html

  What to look for with Congestive Heart Failure! Shortness of Breath (Can't lay flat) Swelling, especially to the extremities and the legs and feet being the most popular Weight gain (up to 2 lbs. a day), (5 in a week) - Need to notify your doctor Weakness Rapid heartbeat or irregular feeling Notify your provider if you are experiencing any of the following. Heart failure - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic says that congestive heart failure happens when the heart gets weaker and has trouble pumping enough blood.  Blood may not flow through the heart and body properly when this occurs. Fluid can build up in the lungs and in places like the ankles and feet. It can affect the whole body, and this condition is called Anasarca.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142