A condition where the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should is known as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). It does not mean that the heart is about to stop working or has failed. It means that the heart muscles are not able to contract over time or have a mechanical problem which limits the ability of the heart to fill with blood.

This results in its inability to keep up with the body’s demand. The heart beats faster so that it can take less time for refilling after it contracts. But if this continues there is less blood circulation and the extra effort of the heart could cause palpitations. The heart becomes enlarged a little to make room for the blood. The lungs also fill up with fluid causing shortness of breath and the kidneys begin to retain water and sodium leading to kidney failure because they do not receive enough blood.

More than 5 million people in the country are estimated to have congestive heart failure. It is the most common diagnosis in patients over the age of 65. With or without treatment for congestive heart failure is often said to be a typically progressive condition as it worsens gradually. The aim of treating congestive heart failure is to relieve symptoms and slow down further damage. The plan of treatment for congestive heart failure would depend on the stage and type of heart failure, other underlying conditions, and the individual patient. Some components of a treatment plan for congestive heart failure would be as follows:

1. Lifestyle changes
Changes and adjustments similar to those recommended for preventing heart failure are advised. Besides, one has to avoid salt and caffeine which would cause fluid retention and heartbeat irregularities. It is ideal to take the advice of the doctor regarding how much fluid and what kinds of fluids to drink. Sometimes fluid intake needs to be limited.

2. Medication
Medication that would typically be prescribed for congestive heart failure would include the following:

• Vasodilators: They expand blood vessels, ease blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
• Diuretics: They are used to correct the fluid retention.
• Aldosterone Inhibitors: They help with fluid retention and improve chances of longevity.
• ACE Inhibitors: These drugs improve heart function and increase life expectancy.
• Digitalis Glycosides: They help strengthen the heart’s contractions.
• Anticoagulants or Antiplatelets: They help prevent blood clots (aspirin).
• Beta-blockers: They improve heart function and increase the life span.
• Tranquilizers: They help reduce anxiety.

3. Surgical procedures
Surgery is required in severe cases to open or bypass blocked arteries or to replace heart valves. Some patients with congestive heart failure also need a type of pacemaker called biventricular pacing therapy. This helps both sides of the heart to work in unison. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks the heart and converts a potentially fatal fast rhythm to a normal one. Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) therapy would be used sometimes as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a treatment for congestive heart failure instead of transplant. A heart transplant is usually considered as a last resort for congestive heart failure and has a success rate of about 88% after one year and 75% after five years.