Congestive Heart Failure

More than 6 million people in the United States develop congestive heart failure, and it’s the leading cause of hospitalization in older adults. If you have heart disease risk factors or develop new or unusual symptoms, see the experts at Cyrus Medical Office in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Internal medicine specialist Golali Nejati, MD, and the highly trained team diagnose and help manage congestive heart failure to maximize quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the New York City office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when your heart can’t pump blood effectively enough to provide the normal supply of blood it needs to function at its best. 

Left untreated, fluids and blood can collect in your lungs and legs. Fortunately, properly managing this chronic disease at Cyrus Medical Office supports optimal health with a lower risk of life-threatening medical problems.

Which symptoms can congestive heart failure cause?

Congestive heart failure can lead to:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Waking up short of breath at night
• Swelling in your abdomen, legs, or ankles
• Weight gain
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination at night
• Bloated or hard stomach
• Dry cough
• Reduced appetited
• Upset stomach
• Nausea

Your symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe. You may not have any noticeable symptoms, at least initially. However, symptoms may appear or worsen over time if you don’t seek treatment. Early detection is important.

What are the risk factors for congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure risk factors could include:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy (diseased heart muscle)
• Congenital heart problems
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Lung problems
• Excess body weight
• Alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drug use
• Some medications 
• Being older than 65
• Lack of regular exercise
• Poor diet
• Family history of congestive heart failure 

Left untreated, congestive heart failure could lead to organ damage or other life-threatening medical problems. 

How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?

The experts at Cyrus Medical Office can diagnose congestive heart failure by discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They also review your medications, check your vital signs, and complete a physical exam. 

Diagnostic tests you might be a candidate for include:

• Blood testing
• Chest X-rays
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram
• CT scan
• MRI
• Stress testing
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Vascular testing
• Genetic testing
• Multigated acquisition scan (MUGA scan)

It’s common to need multiple diagnostic tests to effectively confirm a diagnosis and determine how to best treat your condition. 

How is congestive heart failure treated?

Your personalized congestive heart failure treatment plan may consist of:

• Stress management
• Medical weight loss
• Medication management 
• Diet and exercise changes
• No tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs
• Cholesterol and blood pressure management
• Chronic disease management
• Medical procedure

Your specialist tailors a plan supporting exceptional health outcomes. If you need surgery or another medical procedure, the Cyrus Medical Office team provides referrals. They follow up to ensure effective and long-lasting results. 

Schedule a congestive heart failure evaluation at Cyrus Medical Office by calling the office or booking a visit online today.