Congestive Heart Failure: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the metabolic and functional needs of various organs. This failure leads to a buildup of blood before the heart, often in the lungs, causing congestion symptoms such as pulmonary edema and breathing difficulties. CHF can affect the left side, the right side, or both sides of the heart, and is often associated with decreased cardiac output and increased pressures before the heart.

Epidemiology

Congestive heart failure is a common condition in industrialized countries, particularly among the elderly. The average age of onset is around 73 years, and the risk increases with age.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CHF vary depending on the severity of the disease and the parts of the heart affected. The most frequent signs include: • Shortness of breath (dyspnea): It can occur during physical activities or at rest, and often worsens when lying flat (orthopnea) due to fluid buildup in the lungs. • Fatigue and weakness: A persistent feeling of tiredness, even after light physical activity, due to poor blood circulation. • Edema: Swelling of the ankles, legs, or even the abdomen, caused by fluid retention. • Persistent cough or wheezing: Especially at night, these symptoms are related to fluid accumulation in the lungs. • Rapid weight gain: Fluid retention can lead to a sudden increase in body weight. • Palpitations: A sensation of fast or irregular heartbeats. • Confusion and memory problems: Poor blood circulation to the brain may lead to cognitive issues. • Nocturia: Frequent need to urinate at night, caused by the displacement of accumulated fluid in the legs into the bloodstream when laying down.

Causes

Several factors can cause congestive heart failure: • Coronary artery disease: Responsible for about 50% of CHF cases. • Hypertension: Untreated high blood pressure strains the heart. • Cardiomyopathies: Disorders of the heart muscle that can impair the heart's pumping ability. • Valvular diseases: Issues with heart valves can also lead to CHF. • Other factors: Alcoholism, viral infections, and certain heart rhythm disorders can also contribute to CHF.

Complications

If untreated, congestive heart failure can lead to severe complications, such as: • Pulmonary edema: Fluid accumulation in the lungs can result in severe breathing difficulties. • Arrhythmias: Heart rhythm disorders increase the risk of strokes. • Kidney failure: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can cause renal failure. • Sudden death: CHF increases the risk of sudden death, often associated with severe arrhythmias.

Treatment

The treatment of CHF aims to relieve symptoms, slow disease progression, and extend life. Therapeutic options include: • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): They lower blood pressure, reduce water retention, and enhance cardiac function, thus reducing hospitalizations and mortality. • Beta-blockers: These drugs reduce heart rate and the heart's oxygen demand, helping to improve its function. • Aldosterone receptor antagonists: Spironolactone and eplerenone reduce sodium and water retention and help decrease mortality in patients with severe CHF. • Ivabradine: This medication lowers heart rate by acting on the sinus node. • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): This treatment enhances heart contraction in patients with inefficient heart muscle contraction. • Implantable automatic defibrillators (ICDs): They prevent sudden death in high-risk patients by restoring a normal heart rhythm in case of severe arrhythmias. • In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as repairing or replacing damaged heart valves. Adopting a balanced diet, particularly by reducing salt intake, helps limit water retention and reduce heart strain. In parallel, moderate but regular physical activity improves overall physical condition, promotes better blood circulation, and enhances overall well-being. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as it reduces cardiac load and significantly improves long-term prognosis.