How does congestive heart failure affect the body?
Congestive heart failure can affect the right side of the heart, the left side of the heart, or both sides. When the right side of the heart begins to function less efficiently, it is unable to pump much blood forward into the vessels of the lungs. Because of the congestion in the right side of the heart, blood flow begins to back up into the veins. Eventually, swelling is noticed in the feet, ankles, eyelids, and abdomen due to fluid retention. When the left side of the heart fails, it is unable to pump blood forward to the body efficiently. Blood begins to back up into the vessels in the lungs, and the lungs become stressed. Breathing becomes faster and more difficult. Also, the body does not receive enough blood to meet its needs, resulting in fatigue and poor growth. What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure? The following are the most common symptoms of CHF. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • visible swelling of the legs, ankle
