Everything You Need to Know About Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is quite complex in terms of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. At The Palm Beach Clinic, Dr. Chauncey Crandall applies a concierge cardiology approach, ensuring that patients with congestive heart failure in West Palm Beach, FL, get the comprehensive care they need.
What Is Heart Failure?
When the heart is pumping blood more slowly than normal, it cannot effectively send nutrients and oxygen through the body. This is a condition called congestive heart failure. Around 6.2 million Americans over age 20 suffer from this chronic issue.
Several health problems can potentially cause congestive heart failure. These include high blood pressure, kidney disease, obesity, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, thyroid disease, heart inflammation, diabetes, and heart attack. Smoking is another potential cause.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
There are several potential signs of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, rapid weight gain, heart palpitations, cough, concentration issues, frequent urination, bloating, and swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen. These issues can vastly impact a person’s overall quality of life.
When someone experiences congestive heart failure, they are also at risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, liver damage, fluid in the lungs, and kidney damage. Additionally, they are at a higher risk for cardiac arrest.
At first, patients do not realize that congestive heart failure is occurring, since other organs temporarily compensate for the decrease in nutrients and oxygen. However, symptoms soon develop and can worsen over time. The sooner patients visit their doctor, the less likely it is that they will develop severe issues.
Treating Heart Failure with Concierge Cardiology
Concierge cardiology ensures that patients are able to manage their congestive heart failure effectively, along with the conditions causing it.
With concierge cardiology, patients receive speedy personalized heart failure care. This approach to healthcare allows patients to quickly get in touch with their doctor and set up in-person appointments, telehealth appointments, and house calls. Appointments are never rushed; concierge doctors give patients the time and attention they deserve.
Concierge doctors work to understand patients’ congestive heart failure on a deep level, evaluating all potential causes and symptoms. They coordinate with a team of medical experts to create a comprehensive treatment plan that touches on every aspect of this health condition.
Concierge doctors focus on frequent monitoring of the patient’s heart health and general health, making sure to note any changes. Echocardiograms, X-rays, blood tests, and physical examinations can all be performed.
Congestive heart failure treatment plans often include changes in diet, an increase in physical activity levels, and prescription of various medications. A ventricular assist device may be required. Certain surgical interventions may also be necessary, such as heart valve repair and coronary bypass surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Set up your consultation at the The Palm Beach Clinic to find out more about how concierge cardiology can help with congestive heart failure in West Palm Beach, FL. Contact us to schedule your appointment.