Having to go to the bathroom a lot at night often happens as retained fluid is eliminated from the body when at rest. There are times when congestive heart failure may be an emergency. Usually this is due to retained fluid in the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary edema, which requires immediate hospitalization. Congestive heart failure happens slowly over time and may involve one or both sides of the heart. The degree of heart failure varies from mild to severe, with most people having the mild form.
Several conditions can cause heart failure.
Temporary episodes of heart failure can be seen in people with severe anemia, hyperthyroidism or heart arrhythmias. If congestive heart failure is diagnosed, the treatment plan will vary from person to person, depending on the cause and severity. The treatment plan may include one or more medications. Along with medications, people with congestive heart failure are advised to make a number of lifestyle adjustments that can lessen the work load of the heart and reduce symptoms.