Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a broad term used to apply to a
variety of heart conditions. In general, CHF is characterized by a
constellation of symptoms usually including shortness of breath,
fluid overload often resulting in leg swelling, and fatigue and
diminished ability to walk or exercise. CHF can be caused by a host
of other heart diseases including heart attacks, heart infections,
heart valve problems, and hypertension or high blood pressure. Once
CHF is diagnosed, a complete heart evaluation is often performed
including echocardiography and other non-invasive or perhaps
invasive tests. The condition is often chronic but may wax and wane
dramatically. Currently, there are myriad highly effective
medications to both treat the acute symptoms and to stabilize the
condition for the long-term.
At Cardiac Specialists, several of our cardiologists have particular
training and expertise in CHF. Dr. Robert Moskowitz was the head of
the Congestive Heart Failure Program at Montefiore Medical Center
until he joined Cardiac Specialists to head up our program in 2004.
He has extensive experience in the latest available therapies for
this prevalent condition and we are constantly advancing our
approach as new discoveries are made in this rapidly advancing
field. CHF is one of the most common causes for hospital admission
in the country and is a prime focus of new and exciting advances.
Adequate treatment of CHF requires a strong relationship among
yourself, your primary medical doctor, and your cardiologist and
often draws on the expertise of nutritionists, nurse practitioners,
and other specialists. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the
treatment of CHF has made dramatic advances over the past five years
are many more are expected. Please visit other sites including the
American Heart Association and the
NIH for further reading material and feel to contact your
physician at Cardiac Specialists with any questions. |
