CHF Basics
A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion.
Dyspnea
Ultrasound of the heart used to check ejection fraction and valve function.
Echocardiogram
Medications that reduce fluid by increasing urine output.
Diuretics
Severe fluid in the lungs.
Pulmonary Edema
Swelling caused by fluid accumulation, often in legs, ankles, or abdomen.
Edema
Bluish skin coloration from low oxygen levels.
Cyanosis
Measures electrical activity of the heart; can detect arrhythmias and ischemia.
ECG/EKG
Reduces fluid retention and helps manage CHF.
Low-Sodium Diet
Fluid in the belly.
Ascites
Shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat.
Orthopnea
Abnormal lung sounds caused by fluid in the lungs.
Pulmonary Crackles
Can show cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) and pulmonary congestion.
Chest X-ray
Monitors fluid status; sudden increases signal worsening CHF.
Daily Weighing
Liver swells from fluid backup.
Enlarged liver from fluid congestion in right-sided heart failure.
Enlarged Liver or Hepatomegaly
Failure of the left ventricle causing fluid backup into the lungs.
Left-Sided Heart Failure
Tiredness due to reduced cardiac output.
Fatigue
Evaluates how well the heart performs during exercise or medication-induced stress.
Stress Test
Limits fluid intake to reduce overload.
Fluid Restriction
Irregular heartbeats often associated with CHF.
Arrhythmias
Failure of the right ventricle causing fluid backup into the body (legs, abdomen).
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Often from fluid retention; more than 2–3 lbs in 24 hours is concerning.
Rapid Weight Gain
Blood test elevated when the heart muscle is overstretched (common in CHF).
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
Lower blood pressure and decrease heart workload.
ACE Inhibitors
Severe failure of the heart to pump blood, life-threatening.
Heart can’t pump — emergency.
Cardiogenic Shock