Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a very serious heart condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the circulatory needs of the body. Even though the condition typically gets worse over time, people are able to live with the disease for many years.

Causes and Symptoms

CHF can stem from any disease that causes impairment in the heart's ability to contract and pump blood. The impaired pumping power may follow a heart attack in which the heart muscle was damaged, or the muscles may become thick or inflexible from hypertension, diabetes, or improperly functioning valves. When the heart is constantly overworked, it first becomes larger and thicker - as will any muscle in the body that you consistently exercise and push hard - and it begins to beat more frequently. These changes eventually compromise the heart's efficiency, however, and over time the heart tires out. Back pressure in the circulatory system may have damaging effects on other organs, such as the kidneys, and fluid may collect in the lower legs, causing swelling, or in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

Factors linked to CHF include: 

• Diabetes
• An overactive thyroid gland
• A viral or bacterial infection in the heart muscle
• Morbid obesity
• High blood pressure
• Damaged heart valves 

Symptoms of CHF may include:

• Fatigue and weakness, particularly when performing physical activities, which stems from a lack of sufficient oxygen to the muscles.
• Swelling in the lower extremities. If the right side of the heart is affected, fluid builds up in the feet, ankles, abdomen, liver and legs. Left-sided heart failure can cause fluid retention in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
• Wheezing or coughing up pinkish phlegm.
• Dizzy spells.
• Rapid weight gain from fluid retention.  

Recommended Lifestyle Changes

The most important thing you can change is your diet - obesity and diabetes are both linked to diet, and both linked to CHF. Consult a nutritionist to determine a diet right for your situation.  

• If you smoke, quit. Tobacco has direct and damaging effects on the cardiovascular system.
• Avoid salt. Sodium promotes fluid retention. Avoid high-sodium foods, heavily processed foods and unnecessary salt.
• Take your prescribed medication. Diuretics ("water pills") and beta blockers, as well as Digitalis and others can strengthen the heart and make it work more efficiently.
• Check other meds. Over-the-counter NSAIDS, such as aspirin, Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen) may increase fluid retention. Tell your doctor about any remedies you are taking.
• Control risk factors. Work with your doctor to address high blood pressure, diabetes and atherosclerosis or other heart problems.
• Reduce stress. The hormones released by the body in response to stress, anxiety and depression make the heart work harder. Practice relaxation techniques, volunteer, and seek positive social interactions. The relaxing breath (taught elsewhere on this site) can improve the oxygenation of blood and take workload off the heart.

Nutrition and Supplements

If you are coping with, or are at risk of congestive heart failure, try the following: 

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be beneficial for heart health by re-energizing the mitochondria in the heart cells, which is where energy metabolism occurs. This nutrient is very important for the heart cells of patients with heart failure. CoQ10 may also help lower blood pressure.
• L-Carnitine. This amino acid is essential for energy metabolism of the heart muscle.
• Cordyceps. This medicinal mushroom is a good energy booster and can improve the efficiency of the lungs and heart.
• Hawthorne. This herb may increase heart-muscle strength and also act as a mild diuretic.  

Be sure to discuss the use of any supplement with your doctor. Your prescription drug dosages may need to be adjusted as these other measures take effect.