We mourn the death of one of the most notable actresses to grace the screen in Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor.  Her onscreen presence and iconic beauty will live on in the hearts of her fans forever.  It was reported that Ms. Taylor died from complications of Congestive Heart Failure.  So, what exactly is Congestive Heart Failure and who is at risk?

Simply put, the heart acts as a pump to circulate blood throughout our body.  When an individual has Congestive Heart Failure, this pumping action is weakened and the heart is unable to effectively circulate blood which results in a back up (or congestion) of the blood returning back to the heart.

It can be the result of coronary artery disease (narrowed arteries), previous heart attacks as well as other conditions such as prolonged high blood pressure.  Your medical provider is the best person to seek for an appropriate diagnosis.

One of the more common symptoms of the disease is a type of swelling known as edema.  This swelling is usually in the legs or ankles (farthest from the heart) but as the disease progresses, this swelling can extend into the lungs which causes shortness of breath and overall difficulty in breathing (pulmonary edema); which is especially noticeable when a person is lying down.

Congestive Heart Failure also affects the kidney’s ability to get rid of sodium and water which further compounds the problem of edema.  Bear in mind, one can have some of these symptoms and not have Congestive Heart Failure.  This is why it’s important to see your doctor for any concerns you may have.

Prevention is Key

As with so many other conditions, the best way to prevent Congestive Heart Failure is to control the risk factors that are associated with the disease.  These include but are not limited to:  High blood pressure, diabetes, High cholesterol levels, and obesity.

Ensure your diet includes good sources of lean protein, fresh vegetables and plenty of whole grains.  Healthy individuals should strive to get a minimum of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise most days of the week.  If you smoke, aim to set a quit date and stick to it.  Quitting smoking is one of the most important things that you can do for your health and the health of those around you.

For more information, contact the American Heart Association:  http://www.heart.org

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By Gina M. Crome, M.S., M.P.H., R.D.