Congestive Heart Failure Quiz

In congestive heart failure, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Blood accumulates in the heart and fluid can build up in the lungs and other organs. This is a chronic and progressive condition that can be life-threatening, leading to organ damage. It often occurs as a result of other conditions that damage or weaken the heart. Risk factors include hypertension, coronary artery disease or heart valve disease, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight and smoking.

• Swollen legs / fluid retention in the legs

• Noisy breathing; e.g. wheezing, rattling

• Waking up at night with difficulty in breathing

• Difficulty breathing when lying down, which improves when sitting up

• Facial swelling

• Swelling of any body part

• Hands and feet are cold

• Feeling breathless

Treatment usually involves lifestyle/ diet modification, a combination of medications and potentially surgery or other procedures. Treatment regimen depends on the severity and the underlying cause of the heart failure.