Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. When the heart does not pump efficiently, the excess blood and fluid accumulates elsewhere in the body. CHF can be acute or chronic and may be right or left-sided.

CHF is usually the result of damage to the muscular wall of the heart. Factors that increase this risk include: Heart attack, Coronary artery disease, Hypertension, Congenital heart defects, Obesity, Aging and Diabetes.

Reduce your risk of CHF by reducing stress, reduce fatigue and shortness of breath, take meds as ordered, avoid tobacco and alcohol, avoid extreme temperature changes, and be sure to follow-up with your physician on a regular basis.

Other things you can do : Weigh yourself daily at the same time with the same amount of clothing and on the same scale. Notify your doctor  if you experience a 2 lb. weight gain in  24 hours.  Speak to your doctor about more specific information to report.