Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where your heart suddenly stops being able to pump blood effectively. The heart is basically a pump. If the pump fails, or weakens, blood cannot be pumped to the rest of the body and signs and symptoms of heart failure occur:
- shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- unable to lie flat (orthopnea)
- swelling in the feet and legs (edema)
- confusion
- fatigue
More than 500,000 people are diagnosed with congestive heart failure each year in the United States. Some patients benefit from drug therapy. But others may require a heart transplant or other intervention.
Continue Learning about Heart Disease
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of adults in the United States. In fact, one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. Taking care of your heart is essential for a long life. You ...
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