Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

CHF is also referred to as heart failure. It is a condition in which the heart muscle weakens and is unable to pump enough blood through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients. The blood backs up into the lungs and other parts of the body causing swelling or edema (fluid retention).

What are the Facts about CHF?

• CHF affects 5 million Americans.
• 550,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

• Injury to the heart muscle from a heart attack or infection.
• High blood pressure - hypertension.
• Excessive use of alcohol.
• Defective heart valve.
• Irregular heart beat.
• Coronary Artery Disease - CAD.
• Cardiomyopathy - heart muscle disease.
• Heart defects present at birth - Congenital heart disease.
• Severe lung disease.
• Diabetes.

• Family history of heart failure.
• High blood pressure.
• High alcohol intake.
• Heartbeat disorder or arrhythmia.
• Infection or disease of the heart muscle or valve.
• Chemotherapy.

Source: American Heart Association 2005