Central Arkansas Cardiology

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a broad term used to apply to a variety of heart conditions. In general, CHF is characterized by a constellation of symptoms usually including shortness of breath, fluid overload often resulting in leg swelling, and fatigue and diminished ability to walk or exercise. CHF can be caused by a host of other heart diseases including heart attacks, heart infections, heart valve problems, and hypertension or high blood pressure. Once CHF is diagnosed, a complete heart evaluation is often performed including echocardiography and other non-invasive or perhaps invasive tests. The condition is often chronic but may wax and wane dramatically. Currently, there are myriad highly effective medications to both treat the acute symptoms and to stabilize the condition for the long-term.

At Central Arkansas Cardiology, several of our cardiologists have particular training and expertise in CHF. We are constantly advancing our approach as new discoveries are made in this rapidly advancing field. CHF is one of the most common causes for hospital admission in the country and is a prime focus of new and exciting therapies.

Adequate treatment of CHF requires a strong relationship among yourself, your primary medical doctor, and your cardiologist and often draws on the expertise of nutritionists, nurse practitioners, and other specialists. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the treatment of CHF has made dramatic advances over the past five years are many more are expected. Please visit other sites including the American Heart Association and the NIH for further reading material and feel to contact your physician at Central Arkansas Cardiology with any questions.