Understand More About Congestive Heart Failure?

QUESTION: I am caring for my husband who suffers with congestive heart
failure. He has both good and bad days, no matter what I do. I just wish I
could understand a bit more about this disease, so I could help better. Can
you please offer me some help?
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ANSWER: The heart has as its most important role the pumping of blood to all
the parts of the body that require the oxygen and nutrition carried in the
blood. When the heart no longer is capable of accomplishing all that the body
requires of it, it is said to "be failing". This can be caused by damage to
the heart from a past heart attack, or because the arteries which supply blood
to the heart itself are narrowed by coronary artery disease. It can also be a
result of hypertension, infections to the heart muscle, and damage to the
valves of the heart. When the heart begins to fail the blood begins to back
up, causing fluids to accumulate in the lungs as well as the legs and feet
(congestion). As a result, breathing may become more difficult and the feet
and ankles may swell. Such patients tire easily, and find that even the small
tasks of life become difficult to perform. When they become discouraged, they
blame everything and everyone about them, even those most devoted to their
care. But there are some ways of helping and making life better for all. Be
sure you understand which medications are being prescribed, and why they are
being used. There is usually a heart medication, which helps the strengthen
the heart beat and make it function more efficiently. Diuretics are used to
reduce the amount of fluid in the body. Make sure these medications, and any
others, are taken on schedule each day. Check the foods you are serving to be
sure they are low on salt, since salt can retain fluid in the body. While
moving about too quickly or for too long a period can make symptoms worse, a
restricted program of short slow walks can be just the ticket to keep the body
in reasonable condition, and to provide your husband the opportunity to get up
and around. Changing the scenery a bit can change ideas and reverse some of
the negative thinking that may be going on. You are apparently doing a
wonderful job; I hope these tips help a bit.