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ANN ARBOR,
MI - The diagnosis of congestive
heart failure conjures up an image of complete failure of the
heart to do its job, causing death. In the United States, about
five million people are living with congestive heart failure, with
about 750,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Advancements
in the scientific understanding of congestive heart failure mean
that medical management and lifestyle changes can be combined to
help many people with congestive heart failure live longer, productive
lives.
People with
heart failure either can't pump enough blood through the body to
meet their organs' needs, or they can only do so with elevated pressures
within the heart. This leads to a build-up of fluids, either in
the lungs or in other parts of the body.
"A variety
of different diseases lead to heart failure. Some of the more common
conditions include atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries,
heart attacks or high blood pressure, particularly if its not treated
over a long period of time," says Keith Aaronson, M.D., assistant
professor of cardiology, U-M
Department of Internal Medicine.
Heart failure
is a serious condition, but people can have a reasonable quality
of life with heart failure. Exercise is especially critical for
patients with heart failure, Aaronson says. When patients with heart
failure exercise, even if it is just taking routine walks, their
quality of life is much better. There are other important tools,
as well.
"Here
at the U-M, we use a multidisciplinary approach. We work closely
with our nurses - who are really case managers for these patients
- as well as dietitians and exercise physiologists to tailor an
individual program," Aaronson says.
Medication
is also important. Plus, Aaronson says there has been remarkable
progress in the medications for heart failure over the past decade
and a half.
"We've
nearly tripled the survival for patients with heart failure, compared
to what it was in the early 1980s, with the medications we have
right now. The medications are necessary and yet they are not the
entire answer. In fact, even if you take all the medications as
prescribed, but you don't follow the proper diet, you will not do
well with heart failure," he says.
Congestion
in the lungs results in breathlessness, the main symptom of left-sided
heart failure. Symptoms of right-sided heart failure include fatigue,
swelling of the ankles and legs, enlargement of the liver, and indigestion.
Bob Moulton
is living with congestive heart failure and has made significant
changes in his lifestyle.
"I've
had two bypasses and a stent put in to help keep the artery open
and I have diabetes, but I didn't realize I had congestive heart
failure until I collapsed at work," says Moulton.
A candidate
for a heart transplant, Moulton makes an effort to get daily exercise.
He has also changed his eating habits and works to keep his blood
sugars within reasonable limits.
"Suddenly,
you've got changes in your life and you're in angry denial. You
go through all that and finally, you wake up and say 'hey stupid,
if you want to be around, you've got to do these things and quit
whining'," he says.
Because he
has eliminated salt from his diet, Moulton has become an expert
at reading and understanding food and beverage labels.
Even though
a proper diet, exercise and medication are helping people with congestive
heart failure to live longer, productive lives, prevention is the
best way to deal with the condition.
Prevention
of congestive heart failure
A healthy,
well-balanced diet and routine exercise are the best ways to prevent
or delay the medical conditions that result in congestive heart
failure. For example, most heart failure is traceable to high blood
pressure, diabetes and heart attacks, which are largely preventable
conditions. If you are overweight, try to shed those extra pounds;
diabetes and high blood pressure are associated with excess weight.
Talk to your physician about ways to control high blood pressure.
This can be done by a combination of diet, exercise and, sometimes,
medication.
Facts about
congestive heart failure
- Roughly
five million people are living with congestive heart failure in
the United States.
- Each year,
750,000 new cases are diagnosed.
- Hardening
of the arteries, heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes
are the most common diseases leading to congestive heart failure.
- Symptoms
can include shortness of breath, fatigue or swelling of the ankles
or legs.
- Treatment
includes medication, changes in diet and exercise.
For more
information, visit the following web sites:
U-M Health
Topics A to Z: What is Congestive Heart Failure?
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/heart/fail01.htm
U-M Health
Topics A to Z: Treating Congestive Heart Failure
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/heart/fail02.htm
American Heart
Association: Congestive Heart Failure
http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1486
National Heart,
Lung and Blood Institute: Congestive Heart Failure
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/CHF.txt
Written by
Mary Beth Reilly
For more
information, contact Kara Gavin or Carrie Hagen, UMHS Public
Relations, 734-764-2220, or by e-mail.
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