As circulation becomes sluggish, the kidneys can't eliminate excess fluid like they should. Retained fluid just adds to tissue swelling and congestion. Arrythmias, in turn, can lead to a potentially fatal condition similar to heart attack called sudden cardiac death. Finally, CHF may cause a persistent cough becaues of fluid accumulation in the lungs. As the arteries narrow, the heart must work harder to pump blood through them, and over time, it becomes fatigued.
Atherosclerosis also raises blood pressure.
High blood pressure is another key CHF risk factor. The couple visited a Shropshire herbalist, who showed Withering the tea she used. Withering tested the plant on patients with dropsy, found it effective, and wrote of his success in a medical journal. His report introduced this herb into medicine. Recently, that has changed, but foxglove-derived drugs continue to be prescribed to treat this condition.