Heart Failure
Caused when our heart pumps more weakly than it should, congestive heart failure affects nearly 6 million Americans.
While its name implies failure, this condition actually doesnt mean that the heart stops. Its true definition is that our heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet our bodys demands. This results in the hospitalization of more than 500,000 people each year.
Other heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, can cause heart failure, as well as other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
See your doctor if you feel fatigued, have trouble breathing, experience irregular heartbeats, or notice swelling in your feet, ankles, abdomen, legs or neck. While there is no cure for heart failure, lifestyle changes and certain medications can help you treat this disease and prolong your life.
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