Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious, chronic condition in which the heart is not able to pump enough blood throughout the body. Nearly five million Americans live with this condition that cannot be cured, but can be successfully managed.

Symptoms of CHF may include fatigue, shortness of breath and leg swelling. Additional signs are a persistent cough, sudden weight gain, lack of appetite, nausea and irregular heartbeat. Risk factors for developing the condition include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, diabetes and viruses. Anyone can develop CHF, but it is more common in African Americans, men, and people age 65 and older.

Diagnosing the condition usually involves taking a complete health history, performing a physical examination and ordering certain tests. Tests may include a chest X-ray to look for an enlarged heart and fluid in or around the lungs; an electrocardiogram to check heart rhythm; or an echocardiogram to observe heart structure and blood flow. Treatment will depend on causes of the condition, severity and overall health.

The new Congestive Heart Failure Clinic at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake recently opened to help members of the East Dallas area suffering the effects of CHF. The Clinic offers a physician-directed and nurse-managed environment where these patients can come to have a pacemaker adjusted, medications closely monitored and altered, if necessary, and receive diuretic treatment. All services are coordinated with the patient’s referring physician to determine an effective course of treatment and help keep patients from having to return to the hospital, or the emergency room, and help them feel better. The Clinic is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to request a free physician referral, call 214-324-6700.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com