Congestive Heart Failure Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Congestive Heart Failure - Research Paper Example In some cases, patients with heart failure may need implantation of mechanical devices, such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators or ICDs (Saxon et al, 2009). This paper will discuss the different pharmacological treatments and procedural interventions for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Risks and complications associated with each approach will likewise be discussed. What is Congestive Heart Failure? Congestive heart failure is a disorder that causes pulmonary vascular obstruction and decreased cardiac input. In layman’s terms, it is a condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient oxygenated blood to meet the needs of the other organs of the body. CHF causes pumping malfunctions of the heart in either the left or right side. In some cases, both sides are impaired. Malfunction of the heart’s pumping ability may cause blood to collect in areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, arms and legs, causing oxygen a nd nutrition losses. These losses decrease the organs’ capacity to work efficiently (Berger, 2009). ... weaken the heart are anemia, hemorrhage, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver failure, longstanding alcoholism and drug abuse, mainly cocaine and amphetamines. Severe vitamin deficiencies could rarely cause a heart weakening (Soufer, 1992). Modifications in Behavior and Lifestyle The most important approach to the treatment of CHF is a change in the behavior and lifestyle of the patient. Regular exercise could be helpful in the maintenance of overall bodily functions, quality of life, and survival. Further vital precautionary steps include the following: maintaining a normal blood pressure, smoking restrictions, moderation in alcohol intake, and abstinence from cocaine and other prohibited drugs; cautious diet; weight control and low Sodium diet (Soufer, 1992). Pharmacological Treatment and Possible Side Effects Pharmacological treatments are aimed at stopping the progression of the disease, thus, diminishing symptoms and complications, and preventing hospital admissions and mo rtality. Several treatments have been effective in reducing some or all of these, however, each approach has possible side effects, hence, cautious observation is necessary to capitalize on benefits and lessen unpleasant consequences (Management of Chronic Heart Failure, 2007). Diuretics, also called â€Å"water pills,† facilitate easy pumping of the heart because they reduce the water and sodium in the body. Removal of excess fluid likewise lowers blood pressure since there is less blood volume for the heart to pump, and there is minimal force used by the blood vessels. Excess fluid reduction lowers or gets rid of edema or swelling in the ankles, feet or abdomen (Management of Chronic Heart Failure, 2007). Several diuretics cause potassium loss. Potassium, an essential body component that