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| |  | |  | | | | The information on these pages is intended for general knowledge purposes only. If you have or think you have any of these conditions, you should contact your physician immediately. If you do not have a physician, contact:
Hartford Hospital's Health Referral Services: Phone: 860.545.1888 Email: CLICK HERE | | | |  | |  |
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Diseases/Conditions
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Select one of the following:
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Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is not a heart attack, but is the result of damage
to the heart muscle often arising from a heart attack, high blood pressure,
congenital heart defects, hardening of the arteries, rheumatic fever, or high
blood pressure in the lungs resulting from lung disease. The injured heart
muscle is unable to pump strongly enough to maintain normal blood circulation,
and blood backs up behind the heart.
Symptoms of congestive heart failure include swelling, most often in the legs
and ankles, and difficulty in breathing. Congestive heart failure also affects
the kidney's ability to dispose of sodium and water, and this leads to further
swelling. The treatment for congestive heart failure generally includes rest,
proper diet, drug therapy, and modified daily activities. In some cases, surgery
might be needed, as in congestive heart failure caused by a diseased heart
valve.
For more information on congestive heart failure, talk with your
health care provider.
On the Web:
American Heart Association:
www.americanheart.org
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