Congestive Heart Failure

Strengthening Every Beat

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. It can result from various underlying conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy. CHF is characterized by symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, and rapid heartbeat. Recognizing and managing CHF is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing the condition from worsening.

Symptoms and Risks of Congestive Heart Failure

Key symptoms of CHF include persistent coughing or wheezing, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, fatigue, reduced ability to exercise, and shortness of breath. Risk factors for developing CHF include high blood pressure, previous heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, and a lifestyle lacking in regular physical activity.

Our Approach to Treating Congestive Heart Failure

Personalized and Multifaceted Treatment Strategies

Our centre adopts a comprehensive approach to manage CHF, which includes medication management, lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, surgical interventions. We focus on personalized care plans, considering each patient’s specific health needs and circumstances, to manage symptoms and slow disease progression effectively.

Advanced Testing for Accurate Diagnosis

We employ a range of diagnostic tools to evaluate CHF, including echocardiograms, ECGs, stress tests, and blood tests. These help us assess the heart’s function and structure, enabling us to diagnose CHF accurately and determine the most effective treatment approach.

Living with Congestive Heart Failure

Managing CHF involves key lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet, regular light exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Our team provides guidance and support to help patients make these changes, improving their heart health and overall well-being.

Schedule Your Consultation

Booking your consulation is simple. Visit our website or contact us directly to arrange your appointment. We are committed to providing convenient and timely access to our services.

FAQs on Congestive Heart Failure

CHF can be caused by several conditions that damage the heart, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attack, valvular heart disease, and conditions like diabetes or obesity.

What causes Congestive Heart Failure?

How is CHF diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, patient history, and tests such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECGs), MRI, blood tests, and stress tests to evaluate heart function and determine the cause and severity of the condition.

What are the treatment options for CHF?

Treatment often includes a combination of medication to manage symptoms and address the underlying causes, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical procedures or devices like pacemakers. The goal is to improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and prevent the progression of the disease.

How can lifestyle changes impact CHF?

Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing CHF. These include eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular, moderate exercise as recommended, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. These changes can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Is CHF a curable condition?

While CHF is not typically curable, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan and lifestyle modifications. Many people with CHF lead full, active lives with proper management.

Who Should See a Cardiologist?

Physician Recommendation – If your physician has recommended that you see a cardiologist.
Family History of Heart Problems – If anyone in your family has or is currently battling heart problems.
Heart Pain – If you are experiencing any heart or chest pain.
High total Cholesterol – If you have high cholesterol ( 200+ mg/dL
High Blood Pressure- If you have high blood pressure
Smoker- Smoking plays a major factor for heart disease as it lowers the flow of oxygen to your heart and increases blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. If you have a history of smoking, it is highly recommended that you see a cardiologist.
Diabetic- If you experience any symptoms of heart disease and are a diabetic, it is important to see a cardiologist.
If you are experiencing severe pressure or pain in the chest
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
If you are experiencing any level of chest pain combined with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, healt palpitations, anxiety, low blood pressure.

We’re always here to help.
Contact us today.

Ready to prioritize your heart health? Contact Surrey Heart Centre today to schedule a consultation. We are here to guide you on your journey to a healthier heart and a more vibrant life.