Congestive Heart Failure
General Information
At Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, our goal is to help people live healthier lives. That’s why our fellowship trained cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists work together to prevent and treat congestive heart failure in the surrounding community.
Congestive heart failure is a type of heart disease in which your heart gradually loses its ability to pump blood. Its symptoms look different for everyone. In general, you may experience:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen feet or legs
- Chest pain or congestion
If you’ve noticed these signs of congestive heart failure and are concerned about your heart health, a heart screening is the first step. If you are concerned about your heart, talk to your primary care provider. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 537-5000 to make an appointment.
Innovative ways to prevent and treat congestive heart failure
Heart failure is caused by overworking or damaging the heart muscle, which becomes weak and unable to effectively pump blood. Other causes of congestive heart failure include:
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Arrhythmias
- Smoking
- Substance abuse
- Obesity
- Untreated anemia
Many of these factors can be controlled, and changing your behavior can lower your risk. Our team of experts at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center partners with you to find an innovative solution to your needs, whether it’s a minimally invasive surgery or a weight loss or smoking cessation program.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is the first step to reducing your risk of congestive heart disease. If you’ve been diagnosed, we may recommend:
- Medication to help your heart pump blood more easily
- Home oxygen therapy to relieve breathing difficulties
- Physical therapy specifically for heart failure
- Surgery to repair valve abnormalities or implant a ventricular assist device
We can help
Giving your heart the attention it deserves can go a long way in preventing Heart & Vascular conditions like congestive heart failure. We’re here to support and guide you as you make changes. Get started by calling (574) 537-5000 today.