Also, the kidneys have trouble disposing of sodium and water. The body retains water, increasing congestion and swelling. Left untreated, congestion worsens and may prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to keep the person alive. Physical activity unaffected, and the patient has no unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, or pain during normal activities. The patient is uncomfortable even at rest.
Discomfort increases with activity.
In some cases, medications and lifestyle changes enable patients to live nearly normal lives. Your outlook depends on how well your heart is functioning, your symptoms, and how well you respond to your treatment plan. About 4.5 million Americans have CHF, which contributes to about 260,000 deaths each year. CHF is a growing public health concern worldwide. It is the single most frequent cause of hospitalization for Americans aged 65 and older.