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Types of Heart
Failure |
The term congestive heart failure is often
used to describe all patients with heart failure. In reality,
congestion (the buildup of fluid) is just one feature of the condition
and does not occur in all patients. There are two main categories of
heart failure although within each category, symptoms and effects may
differ from patient to patient. The two categories are:
- Systolic heart failure.
This occurs when the heart's ability to
contract decreases. The heart cannot pump with enough force to push
a sufficient amount of blood into the circulation. Blood coming into
the heart from the lungs may back up and cause fluid to leak into
the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary congestion.
- Diastolic heart failure.
This occurs when the heart has a problem
relaxing. The heart cannot properly fill with blood because the
muscle has become stiff, losing its ability to relax. This form may
lead to fluid accumulation, especially in the feet, ankles, and
legs. Some patients may have lung congestion
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Heart Failure -
Types of Heart Failure -
Causes of Heart Failure -
Symptoms -
How it's Diagnosed -
Treatments -
Common Heart Failure
Medications - Life after Heart
Failure |
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