GENERAL CARDIOLOGY
Congestive Heart Failure
Often referred to as just heart failure, congestive heart failure occurs when your heart fails to pump blood effectively. Because the ventricles can no longer pump the normal amount of blood out of your heart and to your body, the blood in your vessels "backs up." The resulting poor circulation leads to a buildup of fluids in your lungs and body (congestion). You may experience difficulty breathing and have swelling in your feet, ankles and legs, fatigue, weight gain and dizziness. Although there is no cure for congestive heart failure, symptoms can be managed through medication, by following a low-sodium diet, exercising regularly based on your physician's guidance and monitoring your weight.
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