1. 
2. 
   1. ASTHMA
   2. CONGESTIVE HEART
      FAILURE (CHF)
   3. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
      PULMONARY DISEASE
      (COPD)
   4. DEPRESSION - For Missouri
      Care Members only
   5. DIABETES
3. 
4. 

Search MEDLINEplus for information to help you answer health questions. The information in MEDLINEplus does not replace the health care given by your doctor. If you have special health care needs, you should talk to your doctor. MEDLINEplus is a service of the U.S. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE and the NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is not a disease. It is a condition that happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Our CHF program helps people with this problem.

If you have CHF, you must get treatment. If you don't, your heart could get weaker and you'll feel very sick. You may even have to go to the hospital. But it doesn't have to be that way. Many people live very well with this condition, but only if they see their doctor regularly and follow his or her instructions. We will work with you and your doctor to make sure you get the right treatment.

Most people with CHF fall into one of four groups.

• In the first group the person may not have clear signs of CHF or any damage to the heart. But they might have other problems, such as high blood pressure, blockages in the blood vessels in their heart or diabetes. If you are one of these patients, we will teach you healthier ways to live so that you will be less likely to get sick with CHF.
• In the second group, the person's heart has been damaged. Maybe they have had a heart attack or an infection in their heart. Maybe their heart valves are not working correctly. Whatever the reason, their heart is not as healthy as it could be, but is not showing signs of failing yet. If you are one of these patients, your doctor may give you medicine called ACE inhibitors or beta blockers.
• In the third group, the person's heart may be damaged, like in the second stage. But they may also have symptoms of heart failure. If you are one of these patients, we will work with you to help you learn healthier behaviors like exercise or eating better. Your doctor may also give you medicine to make your CHF symptoms get better.
• The fourth group of CHF patients is the most serious one. The person's heart may be getting weaker. It may not be able to pump blood to the body very well. If you are one of these patients, your doctor may have you see a heart doctor, or you may have to go to the hospital. If you have CHF, it is important that you learn as much as you can about it. We want to help you take care of yourself.

 

 

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