Congestive heart failure

Question 1

What are some causes of congestive heart disease?

Answer 1

• Coronary artery disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attack
• Alcohol abuse
• Hypertension
• Valve disease
• Diabetes type 2
• MI
• Unknown idiopathic causes such as recovery from myocarditis

Question 2

What are some symptoms of congestive heart disease?

Answer 2

• Rapid irregular heart beat
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling of abdomen
• Swelling of leg/ankle/feet
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough, wheezing
• Chest pain when breathing

Question 3

What are some treatment options for congestive heart failure?

Answer 3

• Can’t be cured but symptoms can be helped
• Medication
• Lifestyle changes like balanced diet, exercising, stop smoking
• Devices implanted in your chest to control heart rhythm e.g. pacemaker, CRT, ICD#
• Surgery

Question 4

What are some medications for treatment of congestive heart failure?

Answer 4

• ACE inhibitors e.g. Ramipril
• Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers e.g. losartan
• Beta blockers e.g. bisoprolol
• Diuretics e.g. furosemide
• Digoxin

Question 5

What are some surgery options for congestive heart failure?

Answer 5

• Heart valve surgery
• Coronary angioplasty or bypass
• Left ventricular assist devices
• Heart transplant