Q. How can congestive heart failure be cured?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious chronic condition that affects the pumping ability of the heart. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. In some cases, CHF can be reversed or cured with treatment.

Treatment for congestive heart failure generally depends on which type you have: diastolic dysfunction or systolic dysfunction. If you have diastolic dysfunction your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly to improve your blood flow and reduce strain on your heart. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to control high blood pressure, treat abnormal heartbeat rhythms, or lessen fluid retention in case of fluid overload from accumulated fluids in body tissues (such as edema).

If you have systolic dysfunction then medications such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can help to relax your arteries so that more oxygen-rich blood flows through them thus improving overall functioning of the dilated heart muscle cells. Other medication options include beta blockers which reduce adverse effects from increasing workloads on the weakened cardiac muscles; digitalis glycosides which strengthen contractions within damaged muscle cells; statins which reduce levels of harmful cholesterol; anticoagulants to prevent clot formation and other complications resulting from a weakened cardiac system; nitrates/vasodilators that open up narrowed coronary arteries thus relieving chest pain caused by reduced oxygen supply to damaged areas within cardiac tissue; loop diuretics aid kidneys in removing excess water content brought about by congested conditions around organs like lungs & liver due to diminished circulatory actions causing organ congestion leading toward respiratory difficulties including dyspnea etc.; vasopressors help raise low blood pressure when it becomes critical issue due to weakening & enlargement of ventricles associated with CHF patients eventually leading toward shock situation issues like cardiogenic shock if immediate treatments not taken into consideration before time runs out!

In addition, there are certain surgeries available for those who suffer from CHF including valve replacement surgeries either replace faulty valve completely or repair it partially depending upon severity level existing inside diseased cardiovascular organ! Procedures like atrial septostomy surgery involves making a tiny hole between two chambers (right & left atrium) so that excessive amount of oxygen rich-blood flowing back directly towards lungs instead traveling all route via ineffective pathways provided by dysfunctional valves present inside frail human cardiovascular system! Besides this few more surgeries exist providing permanent cure option inside experienced hands under watchful eyes only after proper diagnosis relevant reasons related with underlying pathology often causing long term progressive ailments responsible for debilitating event called Congestive Heart Failure!.