According to the CDC, Congestive heart failure, or CHF, affects more than 6million adults in the United States and is the leading cause of hospitalizations in people over age 65. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CHF, you’re not alone, and there are ways to help manage this condition. CHF is a common and manageable condition, and with the right treatment and daily habits, many people live full and active lives.
Below, we will look at what CHF is, symptoms to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, and the important role your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) plays in helping you manage this condition.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure?
CHF means your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Your heart is responsible for sending blood full of oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. When it cannot keep up, fluids can build up in places like your lungs, legs, and stomach. The buildup of fluids is why this condition is called “congestive” heart failure.
Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working; it means it’s not as strong or efficient as it should be. Some common causes of CHF include:
It’s important to know that CHF is a chronic condition. While there isn’t a cure, there are treatments, lifestyle changes, and support systems that can improve how you feel and live each day.
Signs and symptoms of CHF
Below are some signs to look for regarding CHF. Keep in mind that symptoms can vary from person to person.
- Shortness of breath during everyday activities, or even when resting.
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen due to fluid buildup.
- Fatigue or feeling overly tired, even from simple tasks.
- Coughing or wheezing, especially when lying down.
- Weight gain from fluid retention.
- Difficulty sleeping or needing to prop yourself up with pillows to breathe better.
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor or APP as soon as possible. Early detection can help them create a plan to control your CHF more effectively.
How is CHF diagnosed?
Diagnosing CHF usually starts with a talk about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle with your primary care doctor or APP. From there, they may recommend certain tests to understand how your heart is working. These tests might include:
- Blood tests: To look for specific markers of heart failure or other health issues.
- Chest X-rays: To check for fluid in the lungs or an enlarged heart.
- Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test shows how well your heart is pumping blood.
- Electrocardiogram(EKG/ECG): To measure the electrical activity of your heart and check for abnormal rhythms.
- Stress tests: To see how your heart works during physical activity.
These tests help your doctor or APP find out the cause of your symptoms in order to recommend the right treatment plan.
Role of your primary care doctor or APP
You might think managing CHF is solely up to a cardiologist, but your primary care doctor or APP plays a huge role in your care too. They help to guide you every step of the way, working closely with specialists when needed. Here’s how they can help:
- Early detection and diagnosis: If you notice symptoms or have risk factors, your primary care doctor or APP is often the first to investigate.
- Managing your overall health: CHF care isn’t just about the heart. Your primary care team will help you manage related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, keeping everything in balance to support your heart.
- Medications: Your care plan may include medications to ease symptoms or slow disease progression, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics. Your primary care team will work with you to fine-tune your medications and watch for side effects.
- Lifestyle changes: Your primary care team will talk with you and help you make meaningful changes, like healthier eating, quitting smoking, and staying active.
- Ongoing support: Living with CHF can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Regular follow-ups allow your primary care doctor or APP to adjust your care as needed and connect you with resources, from nutrition counseling to stress management.
While CHF may be part of your journey, it does not define you. While your heart may need extra support, there is a lot you and your health care team can do to help it work better. Your primary care doctor or APP is here to guide you, answer questions, and support you. With knowledge, support, and commitment, you can move forward with confidence.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.