Congestive heart failure: the most effective dietary supplements

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the inability of the heart's pump to provide the blood flow necessary for the metabolic and functional needs of the body's various organs. This failure leads to an accumulation of blood upstream of the heart, often in the lungs, which causes 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 it is often associated with decreased cardiac output and increased upstream pressures in the heart​.

Epidemiology

Congestive heart failure is a common condition in industrialized countries, particularly among older adults. 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 may occur during physical exertion or at rest, and often becomes worse when lying down (orthopnea) due to fluid accumulation 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 flow to the brain can cause cognitive issues. • Nocturia: Frequent need to urinate at night, caused by the movement of accumulated fluid from the legs back into the bloodstream when the person lies down.

Causes

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

Complications

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

Treatment

Treatment for CHF aims to relieve symptoms, slow disease progression, and prolong life. Therapeutic options include: • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: They lower blood pressure, reduce water retention, and improve heart function, thereby 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 sinoatrial node. • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): This treatment improves heart contraction in patients with inefficient cardiac muscle contraction. • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs): They prevent sudden death in high-risk patients by restoring a normal heart rhythm in case of severe arrhythmias. • In some cases, surgery may be necessary, such as repair or replacement of damaged heart valves. Following a balanced diet, particularly by reducing salt intake, helps limit fluid retention and decrease the strain on the heart. At the same time, moderate but regular physical activity improves overall fitness, promotes better circulation, and enhances general well-being. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as it reduces the burden on the heart and significantly improves long-term prognosis.