Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the body can no longer pump enough blood to meet its needs.  Complications of Congestive Heart Failure are arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, kidney damage, liver damage, heart valve problems, strokes and heart attacks.  CHF is classified as either systolic or diastolic heart failure. 

The pumping action of the heart is reduced or weakened. 

Diastolic heart failure 

The heart can contract normally but is stiff when it is relaxing and filling with blood. This impedes blood filling into the heart and produces backup into the lungs and CHF symptoms.

Please review the diagnosis and management guidelines from the Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium (MQIC) below.