Congestive heart failure (chf) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to deliver oxygen rich blood to the body. Congestive heart failure can be caused by:
- diseases that weaken the heart muscle,
- diseases that cause stiffening of the heart muscles, or
- diseases that increase oxygen demand by the body tissue beyond the capability of the heart to deliver adequate oxygen-rich blood.
The heart has two atria (right atrium and left atrium) that make up the upper chambers of the heart, and two ventricles (left ventricle and right ventricle) that make up the lower chambers of the heart. The ventricles are muscular chambers that pump blood when the muscles contract. The contraction of the ventricle muscles is called systole.
Congestive heart failure can affect many organs of the body. For example:
- The weakened heart muscles may not be able to supply enough blood to the kidneys, which then begin to lose their normal ability to excrete salt (sodium) and water. This diminished kidney function can cause the body to retain more fluid.
- The lungs may become congested with fluid (pulmonary edema) and the person's ability to exercise is decreased.
- Fluid may likewise accumulate in the liver, thereby impairing its ability to rid the body of toxins and produce essential proteins.
- The intestines may become less efficient in absorbing nutrients and medicines.
- Fluid also may accumulate in the extremities, resulting in edema swelling of the ankles and feet.
Eventually, untreated, worsening congestive heart failure will affect virtually every organ in the body.
Picture of the heart and valves, left and right ventricles, left and right atria
No comments:
Post a Comment