Congestive Heart Failure Specialist

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure means that the heart no longer works at an optimal level. Blood moves through your heart and body at a slower rate, so the pressure in the heart increases. 

As a result, your body doesn’t receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Your heart may stretch or become stiff and thickened to compensate, but this can cause the heart muscle walls to weaken. 

Over time, your heart muscle becomes so severely affected it can’t pump or fill. You may then experience a life-threatening heart attack or cardiac arrest. 

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

You may be able to function well for a while with congestive heart failure, but over time your heart deteriorates, and you may experience symptoms like:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in your feet and ankles
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Coughing and producing blood-tinged mucus
• Nighttime urination
• Ascites (abdominal swelling)
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Difficulties concentrating

You're also likely to have shortness of breath during exercise or when you're lying down.

During routine wellness exams, the team at Medhealth Clinical may be able to identify signs of congestive heart failure early -- before they cause serious complications. Early intervention helps minimize the severity of your disease.

How is congestive heart failure managed?

If Dr. Garcia identifies symptoms that suggest congestive heart failure, he sends you to a trusted specialist to create a customized treatment plan. He then helps you manage this care plan and coordinate among various physicians involved in your treatment. 

A significant part of your plan may include medication management. Your provider may prescribe: 

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Statins
• Blood thinners
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Aldosterone antagonists

Dr. Garcia can help you understand side effects, possible contraindications, and refills. The team at Medhealth Clinical monitors your regular screenings, implanted devices, and any complications, like edema or changes in your symptoms. 

He can also offer recommendations about lifestyle and living with congestive heart failure. You’ll benefit from staying active, sticking to a healthy diet, and monitoring your symptoms. Report any changes in your health to Medhealth Clinical. 

To schedule an appointment at Medhealth Clinical and learn more about care for congestive heart failure, call or book online today.