When a person has congestive heart failure, the heart becomes weak and unable to pump enough blood to the body. The most common causes for heart failure are a previous heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diseases of the heart valves and heart muscle. With heart failure, since the heart is not pumping well, fluid begins to build up in the lungs as well as other parts of the body. Also, all the other organs are not receiving enough blood. Symptoms usually include shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and feet, and fatigue. Left untreated, congestive heart failure can have very serious consequences.

The following tests are commonly used to determine the cause and the severity of a person’s heart failure:

• Chest x-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Blood tests (BNP level)
• Impedance Electrocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization

The first line of treatment for congestive heart failure includes medications and lifestyle changes, such as a low sodium diet, watching fluid intake, and activity levels approved by your physician. In advanced heart failure, because the heart is not pumping in a synchronized fashion, implantable devices help reduce the symptoms of heart failure.