Congestive Heart Failure Specialist

Premier Cardiac and Vascular

Cardiologists located in Annandale, VA & Fredericksburg, VA

Congestive heart failure is the last stage of heart disease. If you have congestive heart failure, you need ongoing medical care to manage heart health and improve quality of life. Anita Banerjee, MD, FACC and Ashok Talreja, MD, FACC, FHRS at Premier Cardiac and Vascular in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a special interest in congestive heart failure treatment. She takes a proactive and preventive approach to heart health and can provide the care you need that can prevent hospitalization for congestive heart failure. For an appointment, call the office today or request an appointment online.

Congestive Heart Failure Q & A

What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure may occur from a combination of your underlying causes of heart disease. With congestive heart failure, your heart is no longer able to pump your blood efficiently throughout your body.

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition, and treatment is aimed at managing the underlying cause of your heart failure to improve quality of life.

What causes congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure develops from the various heart-related conditions that tax your heart muscle. Common causes include:

High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Faulty heart valves

You may also develop congestive heart failure after a heart attack that damages the muscle. Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, also can weaken the heart muscle and increase your risk of congestive heart failure.

You may be at greater risk of developing congestive heart failure if it runs in your family. Women can also develop this chronic condition during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure may be an ongoing problem or may come on suddenly. Common symptoms indicative of congestive heart failure include:

Shortness of breath or gasping for air
Lower extremity swelling
Fatigue and weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Coughing
Increased nighttime urination

You may also experience shortness of breath more quickly when walking or engaging in other forms of exercise.

How can I prevent congestive heart failure?

The team takes a proactive approach to heart health and management. Her goal of treatment is to prevent complications like congestive heart failure. She works one-on-one with you to develop a plan focused on lifestyle modification, diet changes, and regular exercise.

If needed, she also prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure or blood cholesterol.

If you have a history of diabetes, she works closely with you to help improve your control and prevent heart issues such as congestive heart failure.

What are the treatments for congestive heart failure?

The right treatment for congestive heart failure usually depends on the underlying cause. The team may prescribe a combination of medication to minimize your symptoms and improve your overall health. Ongoing monitoring and care are necessary.

In some cases, surgery may be needed, such as coronary artery bypass or heart valve replacement, to improve heart function.

To schedule a consultation to assess your risk of congestive heart failure, call Premier Cardiac and Vascular today or book an appointment online.

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