Congestive Heart Failure Clinic 11225
Congestive heart failure (CHF), or simply heart failure, is a condition in which the heart has become weak and is no longer able to pump blood efficiently. The walls of the heart have become either too thick or too thin to pump effectively. Diagnosis and treatment will need to be obtained at a congestive heart failure clinic 11225.
Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
This heart condition can be caused by several factors. Some of the more common causes include:
- High blood pressure
- Disorders of the heart valves
- Coronary artery disease
- Long-time alcohol abuse
- Viral infections
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart defects
- Diabetes
- Unknown causes
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can occur on the left side of your heart, the right side, or on both sides. When the heart failure is on the left side, you will have a fluid buildup in your lungs, which can cause shortness of breath. When it is on the right side, you will have fluid buildup in your abdomen, legs, and feet.
The symptoms can slowly develop or they may occur suddenly. You may have some of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
- Less ability to exercise
- Persistent cough with phlegm
Diagnosis of CHF
Diagnosing CHF at a congestive heart failure clinic 11225 will likely involve several tests. These may include an x-ray, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, MRI, stress test, and cardiac catheterization.
CHF is divided into four different categories. At Level A, you may not even notice the symptoms. Once you reach Level D, however, there is not much the doctors can do about it. About 50 percent of patients with CHF will die within five years, and 10 percent may live up to 10 years.
Treatment for CHF
Treatment for congestive heart failure will depend on the level reached. It will also depend on your overall health. You can expect drugs to be given (there is a wide variety), diuretics to help reduce and prevent the fluid buildup, and surgery may be necessary. When a patient reaches end-stage CHF, a pump may be implanted to help the heart squeeze called a left ventricular assisted device (LVAD). Another solution is to get a heart transplant, but due to health conditions, this option may not be available to older patients.
Risk Factors for CHF
Several factors will increase your risk of CHF. They include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Various medications
- Heart attack
- Viruses
- Tobacco and/or alcohol
- Sleep apnea
- Irregular heartbeats.
Preventing Congestive Heart Failure
Reducing your risk of congestive heart failure is primarily a reduction in the primary causes of heart problems. Lifestyle changes that you can make include:
- Stop smoking
- Controlling your blood pressure
- Controlling your sugar levels
- Maintaining a healthy exercise program
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Reducing stress
- Sticking to a healthy diet
When you need to find a congestive heart failure clinic 11225, Dr. Abdul Malik, MD in Brooklyn, NY, can help. Dr. Malik is a Cardiologist who has been practicing for more than 24 years. He has also trained many young doctors in the fields of Cardiology and Internal Medicine. He is known as a doctor who answers questions thoroughly with his patients and has won awards as the Consumer’s Choice Award for Top Doctors.
Congestive Heart Failure Clinic 11225
608 Schenectady Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11203
Flatbush: 718.469-4006