Congestive heart failure is a condition where heart is unable to supply sufficient amount of blood to the body.

Causes

• Coronary artery disease
• Myocardial infarction or heart attack
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Congenital heart defects
• Heart valve defects
• Disorders of the heart rhythm
• Infection of the heart muscle
• Excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol
• Diabetes

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Exercise intolerance
• Swelling of the ankles or abdomen
• Weight gain due to water retention
• Cough
• Fatigue

Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition. It includes:

• Medications to treat underlying conditions and symptoms
• Pacemaker
• Angioplasty
• Bypass surgery

Prevention

• Control blood pressure
• Control diabetes
• Control cholesterol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a low salt diet
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid excessive alcohol
• Exercise regularly