Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to fluid buildup and troubling symptoms. At AZ Cardiology, with locations in Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley, Kishlay Anand, MD, MS, FHRS, and Tanvi Sachar, MS, PhD, Chief of Staff, provide expert CHF care. The practice uses advanced treatments like cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) to improve heart function and quality of life. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online to take control of your heart health.

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, causing fluid to build up in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body.

This can make you feel tired, short of breath, and swollen. Dr. Anand and his colleagues at AZ Cardiology are dedicated to helping you understand CHF, manage your symptoms, and improve your heart health.

They provide expert care to diagnose the cause of your CHF, create a personalized treatment plan, and support you every step of the way. They use the latest technologies to give you the best chance at a healthier, more active life.

What causes congestive heart failure?

Many different heart problems can lead to CHF. Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease (blocked heart arteries)
• High blood pressure that damages the heart over time
• Heart attacks
• Heart valve problems
• Heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathies)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
• Certain infections

Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and uncontrolled diabetes can also increase your risk of developing congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

CHF symptoms typically start slowly and get worse over time. Some people may notice:

• Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink-tinged mucus
• Sudden weight gain from fluid buildup
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact the heart specialists at AZ Cardiology right away.

How is congestive heart failure treated?

The AZ Cardiology experts offer a range of treatments to help you feel better and live longer. Medications can lower blood pressure, reduce fluid buildup, and strengthen your heart’s pumping ability. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-sodium diet, exercising as recommended, and quitting smoking, are also essential.

For some patients, advanced treatments such as cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) can make a significant difference. A CRT-D device helps the heart’s chambers beat in sync, thereby improving its ability to pump blood effectively.

A CRT-D also protects against potentially life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

If you have congestive heart failure symptoms, don’t wait for your condition to worsen. Schedule an appointment with AZ Cardiology today by phone or using the online booking feature.