Congestive Heart Failure Research Paper

Though heart failure can occur suddenly, weakening of the heart is more likely to slowly develop over a period of time, often over many years as the heart becomes weaker and is unable to work as efficiently, which is why is it more prominent in the elderly population. Typically conditions and diseases that damage or overwork the heart lead to congestive heart failure. The major conditions and factors that cause congestive heart failure include:
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• High blood pressure
• Hypertension
• Valve conditions
• Cardiomyopathy
• Diabetes
• Alcohol abuse
• Smoking
Coronary artery disease, also known as ischaemic heart disease, results from the gradual blocking of the coronary artery by fatty deposits called plaque. The coronary artery is the artery that supplies blood to the heart, damaging it …show more content…
Heart valve disease is when one or more of these valves cannot open and close properly, it forces the ventricles of the heart to work harder in order to pump blood.
Blood pumping through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal (> 120/80 mm Hg) is termed as high blood pressure. This is a result of build up of cholesterol and other fatty substances in blood vessels, which narrows the blood vessels and as a consequence makes it more difficult for blood to flow through them
Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease, which means that lifelong management of the disease is needed. Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of heart failure. With early diagnosis and treatment patients can live a longer live and reduce symptoms. Treatments and medications may vary depending on the underlying cause, so it is important to address the underlying cause of congestive heart failure in an individual.
Lifestyle changes can help control congestive heart failure.
Healthy diet (note that this diet caters to those who suffer from congestive heart