$Unique_ID{BRK02423}
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$Title{Can Heart Failure Cause Inobviously Related Problems?}
$Subject{congestive heart failure symptoms shortness breath CHF pump lung
lungs attack high blood pressure digoxin treatment circulatory system ill
defined symptom failures short breathe breathing flow attacks}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Heart Failure Cause Inobviously Related Problems?


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QUESTION:  Will you please discuss the exact mechanism of congestive heart
failure?  A year ago I spent all night gasping for breath and ended up in the
hospital for a week.  Though I am on medication I still have some swelling of
the ankles.  Is all of this a part of the same disease?  I would appreciate
reading your answer in your column.

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ANSWER:  All your symptoms may be found in a person suffering from congestive
heart failure.  Perhaps the most common symptom is shortness of breath, either
after some exertion, or even while at rest.  Congestive heart failure (CHF) is
a condition in which the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the body,
and so produces a wide variety of symptoms.  This lack of volume permits fluid
to accumulate in the lungs causing your difficulty in breathing.  The same
mechanism also causes the fluid to accumulate in the ankles causing the
swelling.  CHF may be the result of a heart attack, caused when the arteries
to the heart become blocked.  This damages some of the muscles in the heart,
weakening it and making it less able to do the work required of it.  However,
CHF may also result from high blood pressure, leaking heart valves, viral
infections of the heart, chronic alcohol use and birth defects.  Certain
medications such as digoxin may help the heart pump more strongly, and
diuretics help remove the excess fluid from your system.  And there are a few
things you can do for yourself to help the improve the situation.  Avoid using
too much salt on your food and avoid salty foods.  If you are a smoker, it's
time to stop for good.  How about your weight?  If you are overweight, your
heart has more work to do, so losing weight now is more than just a cosmetic
measure, it is a most helpful "treatment" for your heart.  A bit of extra rest
each day will help, but don't become a couch potato, for moderate exercise
within your capacity is beneficial as well.  With proper medications and a few
precautions, you should be able to return to your normal schedule.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.