Congestive Heart Failure |
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DESCRIPTION
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Congestive heart failure, also called CHF, occurs when the heart muscle is weak and has trouble pumping blood through the body. As a result, blood collects in the lungs or other parts of the body.
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CAUSES
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This condition may be the result of a heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, problems with the heart valves, infections of the heart, or a disease of the heart muscle. Other causes may include severe physical or emotional stress, drugs, or lung or thyroid disease.
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SYMPTOMS
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A typical symptom is trouble breathing, especially during exercise or when lying down. Other signs are swollen legs and feet, feeling tired or weak, weight gain, and loss of appetite.
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CARE
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Immediately If... You have the following signs of worsening heart failure: You have more trouble breathing than usual, are weak, cannot sleep or rest because of trouble breathing, or have a fast or uneven heartbeat. You have increased swelling in your legs and feet and torso, and you feel dizzy. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call for help immediately, or call 911 or 0 (operator) to get you to the nearest medical clinic or hospital. Do not drive yourself!
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COMPLICATIONS
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s The disease can be controlled with medicine, but without care the condition can get worse, eventually leading to death.
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