Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a serious medical condition in which your heart does not pump blood as adequately and efficiently as it should. The heart muscle is less able to contract over time or has a problem that restricts its ability to fill with blood. If blood returns to the heart faster than it can be pumped out, the heart becomes congested and not enough oxygen-rich blood can be delivered to your body’s other organs.

To compensate for this problem, your heart will beat faster to take less time to refill after it contracts. However, less blood will circulate, and the strain can trigger heart palpitations. At the same time, your heart will enlarge to accommodate the blood, and your lungs will fill with fluid, which can cause shortness of breath. Meanwhile, your blood-deprived kidneys will begin to retain water and sodium, which can ultimately result in kidney failure.

cardiologist talking to patient after Congestive heart failure treatment

Unfortunately, congestive heart failure is a progressive disease with or without treatment. So, the best way to avoid it is to take preventative measures to avoid the conditions that contribute to it, such as:

  • Following a heart-healthy diet that avoids saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and sodium
  • Quit smoking or don’t start, and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Lose weight if you are above your average
  • Follow your treatment plan if you have another type of heart condition

At Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute, our highly trained cardiologists diagnose cases of congestive heart failure by first conducting a physical exam and examining your medical history, family history, and the results of various tests that may include:

If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, there are several treatment options, including:

  • Medications such as:
    • Vasodilators to expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure
    • Diuretics to correct fluid retention
    • ACE inhibitors and betablockers to improve heart function
    • Digitalis glycosides to strengthen your heart’s contractions
    • Anticoagulants such as aspirin to help prevent blood clots
    • Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety
  • Treatment for sleep apnea, which is linked to heart failure
  • Surgical procedures to open or bypass blocked arteries or to replace heart valves

Congestive Heart Failure Treatment in Boca Raton, FL

To learn more about treatment for congestive heart failure, contact Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute at (561) 235-5621 and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Eli S. Levine or Dr. Michael A. Schechter. Or, if you prefer, use our convenient online Request an Appointment form to arrange your visit.