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Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
The pumping efficiency of the heart can be affected by a number of diseases. The most common ones being:
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Hypertension (High BP)
- Chronic Alcoholic abuse
- Disorders of heart valves
Lesser common ones include viral infections, thyroid disorders, and disorders of the heart rhythm.
Certain medications may cause the development or worsening of congestive heart failure. Common ones include:
- Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
- Some steroids
- Certain anti diabetic medications (Rosiglitazone, pioglitazone)
- Some Calcium channel blockers (CCB)
References:
- Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
- Harrison''s PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 17TH Edition
- Amsterdam EA. Revised American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the management of heart failure. Prev Cardiol. 2005 Fall;8(4):254, 256.
- Heart Failure Society Of America. Evaluation and management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure. J Card Fail. 2006 Feb;12(1):e86-e103. Review.
Congestive heart failure can affect many organs. For example: The weakened heart muscle may not be able to deliver enough blood to the kidneys, which in turn begin to lose their normal ability to excrete salt and water. This can cause decreased kidney function in the body to retain more fluid. The lungs can become clogged with fluid and the ability of the person to take down. The fluid can also accumulate in the liver, which hinders their ability to rid the body of toxins and produce essential proteins. The intestines can become less efficient in absorbing nutrients and drugs. The fluid can also accumulate in the extremities, causing swelling of the ankles and feet. http://www.insideheart.com