Alternative Names
CHF; Congestive heart failure; Left-sided heart failure; Right-sided heart failure – Cor pulmonale
Definition of Heart failure
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Heart failure is a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometimes develop suddenly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure most often begin slowly. At first, they may only occur when you are very active. Over time, breathing problems and other symptoms may be noticed even when you are resting.
Signs and tests
A physical examination may reveal the following:
Treatment
MONITORING AND SELF CARE
Expectations (prognosis)
Heart failure is a serious disorder. It is usually a chronic illness, which may get worse with infection or other physical stress.
Review
Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Director, Northwestern Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 6/22/2010
