Video:Information About Congestive Heart Failure
Heart defects and heart disease can cause congestive heart failure. With CHF, pressure builds within the chambers of the heart and results in fluid accumulation in body tissues. Learn more about this serious condition and its effects.
Transcript:Information About Congestive Heart Failure
How Does the Heart Work?
The heart is a beating muscle that pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body via the circulatory system. Inside the heart are four chambers which collect blood and then redistribute it to the lungs and body.Effects of Heart Defects and Heart Disease
Several conditions can impair the heart's ability to effectively circulate blood.Defects or diseases of heart muscle or valves can cause failure of the heart to maintain an adequate blood circulation. Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or narrowed or clogged arteries can compromise the blood vessels' ability to efficiently deliver blood, thus increasing the workload of the heart.
How Congestive Heart Failure Occurs
Any of these conditions can result in an enlarged heart with compromised function. Eventually, the failing heart cannot pump out the amount of blood that is being delivered to it. This causes pressure to build within the heart chambers and venous system, resulting in an accumulation of fluid in body tissues. This progressively worsening series of events is called congestive heart failure (CHF).Effects of Congestive Heart Failure
As CHF progresses, swelling, or edema, often occurs in the legs and feet. Fluid may also collect in the lungs causing shortness of breath. Eventually, heart failure may affect the function of the kidneys, further increasing fluid accumulation in the body and causing additional work for the failing heart.CHF is a chronic condition with reduced life expectancy. In the case of valvular defect, surgical intervention may be required.
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