CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive Heart Failure



Congestive Heart Failure

Introduction

Congestive heart failure is a common syndrome in older adults and occurs in approximately 7% to 10% of people 80 years and older (Resnick, 2004). "Congestive heart failure is a pathophysiologic condition in which the heart is unable to generate an adequate cardiac output such that there is inadequate perfusion of tissues, and/or increased diastolic filling pressure of the left ventricle, such that pulmonary capillary pressures are increased" (Brashers, 2002, p.53).

Role Of In The Normal Functioning

Congestive heart failure is actually a complication of other cardiovascular conditions rather than a disease in itself. It is associated with numerous types of heart disease, particularly with coronary artery disease and long-standing hypertension ( Lewis, Dirksen & Heitkemper, 2004). Any factor that puts a continuous strain on the heart by increasing its work, decreasing its ability to contract and hindering or altering the flow of blood within its chambers can cause congestive heart failure (Pinneo, 1995).

John's history of hypertension and his age predispose him to congestive heart failure. Hypertension is a major contributing factor, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure three times (Lewis et al., 2004). The most common risk factor for the development of congestive heart failure is age (Brashers, 2002).

Anatomical, Physiological, Chemical And Cellular Functions Of This Organ

As we age changes affecting our body systems take place. Due to the normal age-related changes, the elderly become more susceptible to any cardiovascular diseases (Kannel & Levin, 2003). Normal aging is accompanied by changes in cardiovascular structure and function. With age, the walls of large distributing arteries thicken and become dilated and elongated (Maheshwari, Laird-Fick, Cannon & Dehart, 2000). The thickening results mainly from an increase in intimal thickness due to cellular accumulation and to matrix deposition; fragmentation of the internal elastic membrane also occurs. The left ...