home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure)
- SYMPTOMS. First signs will be a progressive, but gradual, energy loss, ankle
- swelling and breathing that becomes more difficult on exertion. Later signs
- may include labored breathing (even at rest), bluish color, appetite loss,
- nausea and abdominal pain. Adults may experience mental confusion.
- CAUSES. Impaired blood flow to the body tissues and congestion in the lungs
- and circulation is due to the heart pumping out blood less efficiently. This
- may be the result of various types of heart disease, low thyroid function
- (hypothyroidism) or inflammation of the sac enclosing the heart (pericarditis)
- TREATMENT. Medication prescribed to aid the heart pump more efficiently.
- .There may be restrictions of salt in the food. Oxygen may be administered.
- .Drugs may be prescribed to reduce fluid retention and congestion.