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CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
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Congestive heart failure is a temporary or chronic condition resulting
from the failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of
blood. The condition may result from failure of the right or left
ventricle or both. Heart failure is commonly defined as a condition
in which abnormalities in the heart function are responsible for
the inability of the heart to pump the quantity of blood required
for ordinary activities. Heart failure affects approximately one
to two percent of America's population. It accounts for approximately
3 percent of the entire national health care budget. Congestive
heart failure is characterized by weakness, breathlessness, abdominal
discomfort, and edema in the lower portions of the body. Patients
with a history of myocardial infarction, heart valve disease, or
severe hypertension should be closely monitored for heart failure.
Congestive heart failure can also be a symptom of other disease
processes.
The goals of congestive heart failure therapy are to reduce the
symptoms of heart failure, prevent or reverse progression of ventricular
dysfunction, and prolong survival. Treatment may include medication,
diet, and physical therapy. Patients should be advised to discontinue
alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco.
Congestive heart failure can result in death. Delayed diagnosis
can cause irreversible damage to the heart.
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