Our Services / Congestive Heart Failure

What is congestive heart failure?

When you have congestive heart failure, it means your heart can’t pump enough blood out to the rest of your body to meet its needs.

If your heart isn’t pumping efficiently, blood and other fluids can back up into your lungs. You can also experience a buildup of fluids (edema) in your legs, ankles, and feet.

Common risk factors for the condition include:

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Weight challenges
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease

Your risk for congestive heart failure also increases if you have a history of heart attack.

When should I seek treatment for congestive heart failure?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County if you have symptoms of congestive heart failure like:

• Edema
• Weakness
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Wheezing or persistent cough
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal swelling
• Difficulties concentrating

These symptoms can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time. The providers at Coastal Cardiology of Orange County offer on-site diagnostic testing services, including electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, and stress tests to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If you have sudden, severe chest pain or shortness of breath, you should seek emergency medical treatment at the emergency room or call 911. While these symptoms can occur because of congestive heart failure, they can also be a warning sign of a heart attack or another serious cardiovascular condition.

How is congestive heart failure treated?

Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease, so you need to manage it long-term. The Coastal Cardiology of Orange County providers customize care plans to treat your symptoms and prevent additional complications.

Treatment may include medications to eliminate excess fluids from your body or strengthen your heart's muscle contractions.

If medications aren’t enough to treat congestive heart failure or its underlying cause, your provider may recommend surgery. Available surgeries include coronary bypass to remove artery blockages, heart valve replacement, or in severe cases, a heart transplant.

You should also take steps to reduce your risk for congestive heart failure. This includes:

• Quitting smoking
• Managing diabetes 
• Managing high blood pressure
• Getting exercise
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Lowering stress levels

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of congestive heart failure, call the Coastal Cardiology of Orange County office nearest you, or book an appointment online today.