Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901  (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com

Congestive Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?
When you have heart failure, the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently to keep up with your body’s demands.  The heart may beat faster to compensate for this.  Over time, the heart gets overworked, becomes weaker, and isn’t able to pump efficiently.  You can help slow the progress of the disease by following your doctor’s advice. 

Signs and Symptoms

1. Feeling more tired than usual (your muscles may not be getting enough blood)
2. Shortness of breath (because of the extra fluid in lungs) – This may increase when lying down.
3. Cough
4. Swelling in ankles and legs (often worse at end of day)
5. Weight gain
6. More frequent urination

Take Charge

1. Weigh yourself every morning before breakfast – if you notice a weight gain of 3-5lbs, notify your doctor.
2. Reduce salt in your diet – avoid canned foods and look at food labels for sodium content and don’t add salt to your food or cooking.  Salt can make your body hold on to more fluid.
3. Increase your activity
4. Do not smoke
5. Ask your doctor about salt substitutes.

Causes of Heart Failure

1. Clogged arteries
2. Previous heart attack has done damage to the heart muscle
3. Heart defects present since birth
4. High blood pressure
5. Heart valve disease
6. Diseases of the heart muscle
7. Infection of the heart and/or heart valves

Medications That May be Prescribed

1. ACE Inhibitor: lowers blood pressure and decreases the heart’s workload.
2. Diuretic: helps your body get rid of extra water and sodium.
3. Beta Blocker: lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate.
4. Digoxin: helps your heart pump better.
5. Vasodilator: lowers blood pressure and opens and relaxes blood vessels.