If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, you may have congestive heart failure. At Heart of Dixie Cardiology, we can help diagnose your condition, determine the cause, and get you on the right treatment track.
Congestive heart failure, sometimes just called heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, which can lead to blood backing up and a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Often, congestive heart failure can be caused by other heart conditions that leave your heart muscle weakened and stiff, making it unable to pump blood properly.
While having one risk factor may not cause congestive heart failure, a combination of risk factors increases your chances of developing the condition. Here are some of the risk factors for heart failure:
Heart attack
Coronary artery disease
Medications like NSAIDs, anesthesia medications, and medications for high blood pressure
Heart valve disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Diabetes medications
Irregular heartbeats
Congenital heart disease
Alcohol and tobacco use
Obesity
Sleep apnea
There are two types of congestive heart failure: ongoing or chronic, and sudden or acute. No matter the type of heart failure, your symptoms can include the following:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to come see us at Heart of Dixie Cardiology to have your condition diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, especially if you’re experiencing chest pain, fainting, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Congestive heart failure is typically diagnosed by looking at your medical history combined with a physical examination and other tests. During the physical exam, we’ll listen to your lungs for any signs of a fluid buildup, murmurs in your heart, and signs of fluid buildup in your veins on your neck, abdomen, and legs. Some tests that may be used to diagnose your condition include blood tests, chest X-rays, echocardiogram, a stress test, MRIs, and coronary angiogram.
If you’re diagnosed with congestive heart failure, several treatment options could be suited for your condition. Typically, heart failure is treated with a combination of medications. Depending on your specific symptoms, you may be treated with any of the following: diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, inotropes, and other medications. Some procedures can also help with some cases of congestive heart failure, such as a coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant, and more.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of congestive heart failure, be sure to schedule an appointment with us so that we can diagnose and treat your condition. Our experienced cardiologists and healthcare providers are ready to help you find the best course of action for congestive heart failure.
If you’re diagnosed with congestive heart failure, several treatment options could be suited for your condition. Typically, heart failure is treated with a combination of medications. Depending on your specific symptoms, you may be treated with any of the following: diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, inotropes, and other medications. Some procedures can also help with some cases of congestive heart failure, such as a coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant, and more.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of congestive heart failure, be sure to schedule an appointment with us so that we can diagnose and treat your condition. Our experienced cardiologists and healthcare providers are ready to help you find the best course of action for congestive heart failure.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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