1. Congestive Heart Failure

2. What is it? The inability of the heart to supply steady blood flow to meet the bodies needs

3. Causes? Coronary artery disease Heart Attack Cardiomyopathy Conditions that overwork the heart

4. Signs & Symptoms? Tachypnea (increased breathing) Displaced apex beat Gallop rhythm Heart murmurs Peripheral edema Pleural effusion (liquid collection in lungs and chest wall) Shortness of breath Cardiac asthma Dizziness, confusion Frequent urination Swelling skin Enlarged liver

5. Diagnosed Can be confused with other illnesses that cause breathing difficulties. Chest X-Rays Electrocardiogram (ECG) Echocardiogram (type of ultrasound)

6. Treatment? Change in lifestyle (infection control, alcohol use, anemia) Vasodilators: nitroglycerin, diuretics, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation ACE inhibitors Exercise Dobutamine & Milrinone Palliative care Hospice care

7. Lifestyle Changes Ask your doctor how much alcohol you may drink No smoking Stay active Lose weight Lower cholesterol Get enough rest

8. Medications? Cardiac glycosides Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) Diuretics

9. Long term outlook This is a chronic disease which may get worse over time Some people develop sever heart failure in which meds, other treatments, and surgery no longer help. Many people are at rick for deadly heart rhythms.

10. New research? Percutaneous heart valve repairs New surgical approaches Artificial hearts New drugs for enhancing heart and kidney function