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. When left untreated, the lungs may begin to fill with fluids, and the kidneys may ultimately fail.
Thankfully, the expert physicians and providers at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute offer comprehensive care and treatment for those suffering from congestive heart failure.
Preventive Care for Congestive Heart Failure
Unfortunately, congestive heart failure is a progressive disease with or without treatment. The best way to avoid developing congestive heart failure is to take preventive 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
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Losing weight if you are above average
- Following your treatment plan if you have another type of heart condition
Diagnosing Congestive Heart Failure
At Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute, our highly trained cardiologists diagnose cases of congestive heart failure by first conducting a physical exam and assessing your personal medical history and family medical history. These initial examinations will allow our physicians insight into your current physical health.
Should your heart doctor find you may be experiencing symptoms of congestive heart failure, they may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests to fully assess your condition:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Chest X-rays
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood test
- Echocardiogram
- Holter monitoring
- Exercise stress test
Once you have undergone diagnostic testing, your provider will be able to offer you a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure
If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, our dedicated heart specialists are here to help. We offer a range of comprehensive treatments for congestive heart failure, including the following.
Medications offer significant relief from symptoms of congestive heart failure and improve heart function. Our physicians may recommend one or a combination of the following medications as part of your treatment plan:
- Vasodilators to expand blood vessels and reduce blood pressure
- Diuretics to correct fluid retention
- ACE inhibitors and beta blockers 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
Surgical procedures play a pivotal role in the treatment of congestive heart failure, particularly in severe cases where medication alone may not suffice. Procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve replacement or repair are designed to restore optimal blood flow and heart function.
These interventions not only alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath but also prevent further damage to the heart, ultimately enhancing the patient's quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Our comprehensive approach to treating congestive heart failure includes effective management of related conditions like sleep apnea. By addressing sleep apnea, we improve sleep quality and reduce the strain on the heart, which is crucial for patients with congestive heart failure.
Treatments such as CPAP therapy and lifestyle modifications play a vital role in alleviating sleep apnea symptoms. Prioritizing sleep health is essential to enhancing overall heart health and quality of life.
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. You may also use our convenient online appointment request form to arrange your visit.
