Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure, also called congestive cardiac failure or simply heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood throughout the body. The failing heart keeps working, but not as efficiently as it should.

The symptoms of congestive heart failure can include edema – fluid build-up that can result in swollen legs and ankles; shortness of breath; fatigue; and nocturnal cough. But because these can also be signs of other disorders, a physician is needed to confirm diagnosis.

Congestive heart failure can have many causes, including narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle (coronary artery disease), scar tissue due to past heart attacks, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart valve disease, primary disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), congenital heart defects, and infection of the heart valves and/or muscles of the heart. If a specific cause can be found, it is generally treated and, if possible, corrected. Other treatments may include rest, dietary modifications, changes in daily activities, and appropriate medications. Supplements that protect and enhance the health of the heart and blood vessels can also be an important part of congestive heart failure management.

Supplement to treat congestive heart failure

• Arginine
• Berberine
• Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Hawthorn – If you are on a blood pressure medication, this herb may decrease the appropriate dosage. See your doctor.
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Ribose
• Selenium
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin E