What is chronic heart failure?

Generally, chronic heart failure is a severe cardiovascular disease caused by long-term impairment of the heart's systolic and diastolic functions, leading to insufficient cardiac output to meet the metabolic needs of tissues, accompanied by impaired venous return. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and undergo standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Chronic heart failure is usually caused by organic heart diseases, such as coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy. These diseases cause abnormal structural and functional changes in the myocardium, which in turn lead to heart failure. In addition, hypertension, valvular insufficiency, and hyperthyroidism may also overload the heart, thus triggering heart failure. The main clinical manifestations of chronic heart failure include dyspnea, fatigue, and edema.

As the disease progresses, if chronic left heart failure leads to right heart failure, resulting in global heart failure, symptoms such as venous system congestion and systemic fluid retention may occur, including jugular vein distension, hepatomegaly, ascites, pleural effusion, and edema in dependent body areas. The treatment goals for chronic heart failure are to prevent and delay the onset and progression of heart failure, relieve clinical symptoms, improve quality of life, enhance long-term prognosis, and reduce mortality and hospitalization rates.

It is recommended to actively treat various diseases that may lead to heart failure. At the same time, avoid factors that may trigger heart failure, such as infections and excessive fatigue. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, and a positive mental attitude—can also help prevent the occurrence of chronic heart failure.