Everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs can become exhausting when your heart isn’t working as it should. Congestive heart failure (CHF) can slowly limit your energy and activity without warning.
When the heart muscle weakens, it struggles to pump enough blood to the rest of your body. This leads to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in your legs or ankles.
At Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, Dr. Shrikanth Upadya and our team of board-certified cardiologists help patients across Central Florida manage this condition with personalized care and treatment options. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or living with heart failure, we’re here to help you protect your heart and quality of life.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure?
The term “heart failure” might sound alarming, as if the heart is failing in its function entirely, but that’s not the case. Congestive heart failure (CHF) indicates that the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should. This condition requires prompt medical attention, even though “heart failure” and “congestive heart failure” are often used interchangeably.
Initially, the heart compensates for heart failure by:
- Enlarging: The heart stretches to increase contraction strength, which initially helps but eventually leads to an enlarged heart.
- Developing more muscle mass: The heart’s contracting cells grow larger, temporarily improving pumping power.
- Pumping faster: This measure temporarily boosts the heart’s output.
The body responds to the weakened heart by trying to compensate in several ways:
- Blood vessels narrow to help maintain blood pressure and counteract the reduced pumping power.
- Blood flow is redirected away from less critical organs, like the kidneys, to prioritize the heart and brain.
While these responses help temporarily, they do not solve the underlying problem. Over time, these compensatory mechanisms fail, leading to increased fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that often prompt patients to seek medical care.
Living With Congestive Heart Failure
While congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition, many people can lead active lives with the right care. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, slowing the condition’s progression, and improving heart function where possible.
Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers help reduce fluid buildup, lower blood pressure, and ease strain on the heart. Lifestyle changes, like following a low-sodium diet, staying active within your limits, and monitoring your weight daily, can also help manage symptoms.
In more advanced cases, devices such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators may be recommended to support heart function. The support of family and friends can make a significant difference in day-to-day management and overall well-being.
Why Choose Cardiac and Vascular Consultants?
At Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, we are committed to providing exceptional care for patients with congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. Our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Shrikanth Upadya, is a renowned expert in complex coronary and peripheral interventions, bringing years of experience to our communities in The Villages, Lecanto, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Lady Lake, Florida.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate, knowledgeable staff ensure you receive the best possible care. To benefit from our specialized services and Dr. Upadya’s expertise, schedule a consultation today.
Connect With Trusted Heart Specialists
Heart failure prevention and treatment require the right care team. Contact Cardiac and Vascular Consultants to schedule an appointment and get personalized treatment from experienced cardiologists. Call our main office at 352-513-3482 or our Lecanto office at 352-633-1966 today.
