Congestive heart failure is a serious condition, but it can be managed. At Park Slope Cardiac and Diagnostic Services, Dr. Ijaz Ahmad helps patients in Park Slope and throughout Brooklyn, New York, get the treatment they need to manage CHF and improve their quality of life.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that develops when the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should. CHF can develop as a result of another underlying disease like high blood pressure, or it can occur when the heart muscle is very stiff, preventing it from contracting and relaxing normally.
Depending on the underlying cause and other factors, congestive heart failure can occur very quickly (acute CHF), or it may develop more slowly. Symptoms can include:
Not every person with CHF will experience all of these symptoms.
Several risk factors have been associated with CHF, and while having one risk factor can increase the risk of developing CHF, having more than one of the following factors significantly raises that risk:
Some viral infections can also increase the risk of developing CHF.
Diagnosis of CHF begins with a personal and family medical history to look for risk factors combined with a physical examination. Echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs), CT scans, chest X-rays, blood tests, and other tests and assessments may also be ordered or performed. Cardiac stress tests are also commonly used to help diagnose CHF as well as manage treatment of the condition. In some cases, an angiogram may be used to evaluate the heart’s structure and function, using an injected dye to evaluate the flow of blood as well as the heart’s movements. CHF can often be managed with medications and lifestyle changes, but in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damage.
All insurances accepted. Please contact the office for more information on insurance coverage.