2. Who gets CHF?
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a disease process
that can start at an early age.
Almost 1.4 million people with CHF are under 60 years
old (Emory Healthcare, 2015).
Almost half of those diagnosed with CHF will die
within 5 years of diagnosis.
3. What does CHF do?
Heart failure is defined as a chronic and progressive
condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump
enough blood through the body to meet the body’s
need for blood and oxygen (American Heart
Association, 2015).
4. Two Types of CHF
Systolic heart failure: the heart muscles are worn out
and unable to pump blood effectively
Diastolic Heart Failure: the heart muscles do not
allow the heart to fill with enough blood, because the
heart muscles are too stiff
5. Effects of CHF
CHF leads to ineffective pumping of blood that leads
to a build up of fluid in the:
-Lungs
-Abdomen
-Legs
-Arms
-Can occur in other areas as well.
6. Causesof CHF
High Blood Pressure
Atherosclerosis
Cardiomyopathy
Heart Valve Issues
Arrythmias
Infection
Anemia
Diabetes
Obesity
Alcohol & Tobacco Use
Use of Certain Medications
**Over time, these
factors damage the
heart muscle and lead
to CHF
7. Signs & Symptoms
Mild Symptoms More Sever Symptoms
Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of Breath on
exertion
Shortness of Breath at Rest
Fast Heart Rate
Chest Pain/Pressure
Heart Palpitations
Swelling of legs & arms
Swelling of abdomen
8. Treatments
Blood Pressure Medications: to decrease workload of the heart.
Diuretics: Medications to help control fluid build up in the body.
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Valve Replacement or Repair
Lifestyle changes:
-Daily Weights (to monitor fluid retention
-Smoking Cessation
-Salt Restriction in the diet
-Limit high fat foods and alcohol
9. References
American Heart Association. (2015). About heart failure. Retrieved
from
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/AboutHe
artFailure/About-Heart-Failure_UCM_002044_Article.jsp
Emory Healthcare. (2015). Heart failure statistics. Retrieved from
http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/heart-failure/learn-about-heart-
failure/statistics.html
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2015). Conditions we treat: Congestive heart
failure. Retrieved from
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/conditions
_treatments/conditions/congestive_heart_failure.html
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Heart failure: Treatments and drugs. Retrieved
from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-
failure/basics/treatment/con-20029801
