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Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure services offered in Newport and Jefferson City, TN

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that affects the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood. Pragnesh Patel, MD, and the team at Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates in Jefferson City, and Newport, Tennessee, offer advanced cardiac testing and treatment for congestive heart failure. Schedule a consultation at the interventional cardiology practice by calling or booking an appointment online today.

Congestive Heart Failure Q&A

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure means your heart is unable to properly pump enough blood through your body. The heart is either too weak or unable to fill up with enough blood. Congestive heart failure is used interchangeably with heart failure. 

However, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure where blood backs up in the veins, causing edema in the legs and ankles and fluid to collect in the lungs. This type of heart failure requires immediate medical attention.

Heart failure may affect the left, right, or both sides of the heart.

 

Left-sided heart failure

With left-sided heart failure, your heart is unable to pump an adequate supply of blood to the rest of your body. 

 

Right-sided heart failure

With right-sided heart failure, your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood to the lungs.

 

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure symptoms depend on the part of your heart affected and the severity of your condition. Common symptoms of heart failure include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in the ankles or legs
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing when lying flat
  • Poor appetite
  • Increase in urination

You can have heart failure without having symptoms. However, heart failure is a chronic condition, and symptoms may worsen over time.

What happens during a congestive heart failure evaluation?

The highly skilled team at Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about congestive heart failure. They aim to confirm your diagnosis and determine the severity of your disease. 

The team reviews your symptoms and the activities that make them worse. They ask about your medical and family histories and perform a physical exam. They order lab work and perform an echocardiography (echo), which is an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of the heart.

What are the treatments for congestive heart failure?

The team at Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates customizes your congestive heart failure treatment plan based on the type and severity of disease, and any related health complications. Heart failure is a chronic condition, but treatment can improve quality of life.

Treatment for congestive heart failure may include:

  • Diet modifications
  • Medications to improve heart function
  • Medications to reduce fluid retention
  • A personalized exercise program

The team schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor heart health and adjust your plan as needed. 

Schedule your congestive heart failure consultation by calling Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates today or booking an appointment online.