Congestive Heart Failure Occurs when the heart looses its ability to pump blood effectively through the body. Every time the heart beats an inadequate supply of blood is delivered through the body, with its Oxygen and vital nutrients. Because the body is short on oxygen, most activities like walking, working, stair climbing become very very difficult. The body is overly tired, and a back-up of fluid happens. This fluid back up causes difficulty breathing, swelling in the lgs, ankle and abdomen. Congestive Heart Failure is also known as CHF and it is a collection of symptoms...
The Symptoms
The TEN most common symptoms are...
1) A weight gain of FOUR or MORE pounds over
2-3 days, and your eating habits have not changed.
2) A weight gain of FIVE to SIX pounds over 7 days.
3) A new or worsening episode of shortness of breath
with normal activities.
4) Increased tiredness, fatigue, or weakness
5) The need to use more pillows while sleeping or
sitting up to sleep because you can't breathe
lying flat anymore.
6) A frequent dry hacking cough.
7) Swelling of legs, feet, and stomach (clothes and shoes are now starting to fit too tightly)
8)A need to get up more often during the night to go to the bathroom, consistantly interupted sleep.
9) Short of breath with little or no activity.
10) You experience both good days and bad days. You'll pace yourself just to make it through the day.
