Congestive heart failure's symptoms are easily confused with those of other illnesses. In 2002, the Heart Failure Association noted that 5 million people would be affected in the coming year. Further, "some of the most common symptoms of heart failure, such as feeling tired and short of breath, are often mistaken for normal signs of getting older."
Early Diagnosis is Essential
If you feel you might be experiencing the symptoms of heart failure, it's vital that you see your doctor as soon as possible. Your medical history will be taken, and you will be given an echocardiogram to determine what your "ejection fraction" is. This is a measurement of how well your heart is pumping. A 50% or better result indicates a healthy heart.
Risks for Congestive Heart Failure
As with many diseases of the circulatory system, there are risk factors – some of which can be prevented, some of which cannot. If you have one or more of the following, be especially alert to the possibility of CHF as you get older:
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Heart Attack (myocardial infarction)
- Damage to the heart valves or history of a heart murmur
- Enlargement of the heart
- Family history of enlarged heart
- Diabetes
The Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
There are four stages commonly considered in patients with CHF. The earliest, Class I, is the mildest, in which there are no physical limitations, shortness of breath, fatigue or sleep disturbances. Following that, Class II is still fairly mild in nature: slight physical changes have occurred. One is comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea (shortness of breath).
Class III is considered the moderate stage. The patient is still comfortable at rest but much less exertion than before will result in fatigue and breathlessness. Class IV is the most severe, in which even slight exertion will cause discomfort. Even at rest, there are signs of cardiac distress. (The Heart Failure Association.org)
Treating Congestive Heart Failure
There have been new medicines discovered in recent years that promise much greater success in treating CHF, which translates into fewer and shorter hospital stays for most patients. Combined with a change in diet to a no- or low-sodium plan, and getting regular exercise, the prospects for longer life and a healthier lifestyle improve yearly.
Nonetheless, although 4.6 million Americans suffer from heart failure only $28.7 million is committed in research dollars annually. In comparison, lung cancer research, which affects 390,000 Americans, receives $132 million annually.
