Health Tip: About Congestive Heart Failure

See your doctor if you have warning signs

(HealthDay News) -- Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart cannot pump blood well enough to supply the body with all of the oxygen it needs.

According to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, conditions that can trigger heart failure include:

  • Coronary artery disease.
  • A heart attack.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diseased heart valves or infection of the valves or heart muscle.
  • A heart defect that's present at birth (congenital).

The hospital says you should see your doctor without delay if you have these symptoms:

  • Chronic coughing or wheezing.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Shortness of breath, especially when at rest.
  • Increased heart rate, regardless of current activity.

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