Congestive heart failure

Pitting edema - a manifestation of congestive heart failure. (WC/James Heilman)

Congestive heart failure, abbreviated CHF, is a clinical diagnosis that is often due to coronary atherosclerosis; however, there are a large number of potential causes.

General

• Clinical diagnosis.

Clinical:

• Dyspnea.
• Pitting edema.
• Pleural effusion.

Treatment:

• Diuretics, e.g. furosemide (Lasix).

Causes

• Coronary atherosclerosis.
• Interstitial lung disease.
• Congenital heart disease.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Others.

See also

• Atherosclerosis
• Plume of froth.