Congestive Heart Failure

While congestive heart failure can affect people of any age, 80 percent of the cases occur in elderly people and is the leading cause of hospitalization for people age 65 years and older. The Mayo Clinic defines congestive heart failure (or heart failure) as a disease that occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should, and it can be chronic or come on suddenly.  The disease can be caused by several conditions including coronary artery disease (the narrowing of arteries in the heart) or high blood pressure, which gradually damages and weakens the heart.  It can also cause the heart to become too stiff to fill and pump efficiently. 

While doctors says not all conditions that lead to heart failure are reversible, there are many treatments and lifestyle changes that can improve the signs and symptoms of the disease.  Lifestyle changes include incorporating exercise into your routine as well as managing stress and reducing sodium in your diet.  Respiratory disease and obesity can also contribute to or exacerbate heart failure. 

Common symptoms of congestive heart failure can include: shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or lie down; fatigue and weakness; swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet; and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.  A person may also experience a persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm, and an increased need to urinate at night, a lack of appetite and nausea, among others. 

As one of the top Colorado Springs’ assisted living facilities, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 stylish, assisted living suites.   Each resident has access to 24-hour Care Managers; a CPR-trained team member on every shift, full-time Licensed Nurses, Certified Medication Care Managers and other wellness services.  Visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, professional care and ask about our special offer of up to “$20,000 Savings” over a 2-year stay (available for a limited time only).  

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Located at the foot of the majestic Rockies, we invite you to experience firsthand one of the best assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142