The basic answer to 'what is congestive heart failure' is that it is the condition in which the heart's capacity to pump oxygen-rich blood to all the parts of the body has decreased.
There are two distinct types of congestive heart failure.
They are classified according to the two actions involved in the heart pumping.
When the heart is not contracting adequately to supply blood it is termed systolic dysfunction, or systolic heart failure.
This may result in the inability to circulate blood adequately.
Conversely if there is a dysfunction in the relaxing action the failure is termed diastolic dysfunction, or diastolic heart failure.
This dysfunction can result in inadequate amounts of blood being taken into the heart to supply adequate circulation.
In some cases the tissues of the body may need more oxygen-rich blood than the heart can supply.
This can also result in a form of congestive heart failure.
There are a number of different causes for this condition.
These include numerous diseases that impair the contraction or relaxation of the heart muscle.
As a result of the important role that the heart plays in the body, congestive heart failure is a condition that can cause diverse symptoms and problems.
The symptoms that are experienced by individuals that are suffering from this condition vary also.
They may include a number of symptoms directly related to inadequate blood supply.
In some cases organ damage can lead to other symptoms as well.
The severity of some symptoms may be a direct result of the function capacity of the heart.
There are also a number of treatment that can be used.
The particular treatment that is used is often based on the present condition of the heart and the cause of the congestive heart failure.
Sometimes the damage that the heart has suffered is not reversible.
Treatment may improve the quality of life even in those cases where damage is permanent.
In the worst cases a heart transplant may be necessary.
Early diagnosis can be helpful in protecting the heart from further damage.
Among the most important factors in protecting the heart is maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
A doctor should be consulted to establish a diagnosis or plan treatment.
They should also be able to answer any additional questions you have regarding 'what is congestive heart failure'.
There are two distinct types of congestive heart failure.
They are classified according to the two actions involved in the heart pumping.
When the heart is not contracting adequately to supply blood it is termed systolic dysfunction, or systolic heart failure.
This may result in the inability to circulate blood adequately.
Conversely if there is a dysfunction in the relaxing action the failure is termed diastolic dysfunction, or diastolic heart failure.
This dysfunction can result in inadequate amounts of blood being taken into the heart to supply adequate circulation.
In some cases the tissues of the body may need more oxygen-rich blood than the heart can supply.
This can also result in a form of congestive heart failure.
There are a number of different causes for this condition.
These include numerous diseases that impair the contraction or relaxation of the heart muscle.
As a result of the important role that the heart plays in the body, congestive heart failure is a condition that can cause diverse symptoms and problems.
The symptoms that are experienced by individuals that are suffering from this condition vary also.
They may include a number of symptoms directly related to inadequate blood supply.
In some cases organ damage can lead to other symptoms as well.
The severity of some symptoms may be a direct result of the function capacity of the heart.
There are also a number of treatment that can be used.
The particular treatment that is used is often based on the present condition of the heart and the cause of the congestive heart failure.
Sometimes the damage that the heart has suffered is not reversible.
Treatment may improve the quality of life even in those cases where damage is permanent.
In the worst cases a heart transplant may be necessary.
Early diagnosis can be helpful in protecting the heart from further damage.
Among the most important factors in protecting the heart is maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
A doctor should be consulted to establish a diagnosis or plan treatment.
They should also be able to answer any additional questions you have regarding 'what is congestive heart failure'.
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