Congestive heart failure is a serious condition, but effective treatments and support can make a big difference. Our experts work with you to strengthen your heart, ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that weakens or stiffens the heart muscle, affecting your heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of your body. You may notice swelling, shortness of breath or fatigue — sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly.
At MU Health Care, our specialists offer advanced treatments to strengthen your heart and help you stay active. We're nationally recognized with Gold Plus status by the American Heart Association for heart failure care.
As part of an academic health system, we provide access to research-backed therapies and clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. Whether you need prevention, symptom management or advanced therapies, our team is here to support you at every step.
Heart Failure Care at MU Health Care
Once we determine your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should and diagnose congestive heart failure, our specialists in cardiology, imaging, surgery and rehabilitation work together to create a complete care plan that supports you now and into the future.
Heart Failure Symptoms
Congestive heart failure symptoms may appear gradually and worsen over time. You may notice changes during activity, or even while resting.
Common signs of heart failure include:
- Bloating or nausea
- Coughing when lying down
- Dizziness or weakness
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Palpitations (pounding or racing heart)
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Swelling in legs, ankles or feet (edema)
- Tiring easily
- Unexplained weight gain
When to Call Your Doctor
If untreated, congestive heart failure can get worse and affect other organs. Don’t ignore new symptoms, even if they seem minor.
Talk with your doctor if you notice any symptoms, especially if they affect your daily life.
If you experience sudden symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or repeated health palpitations, call 911.
What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure can develop over time or after damage caused by another condition. Certain health problems raise your risk, and early care can help prevent complications.
Conditions that raise your risk for congestive heart failure include:
Heart Failure Prevention
Taking certain steps can help lower your risk of congestive heart failure. Your prevention plan may include:
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol use
- Lowering salt intake
- Exercising regularly and staying active
- Getting regular checkups and heart screenings
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing high blood pressure, diabetes and other heart conditions
- Quitting smoking
How We Diagnose Heart Failure
We start by discussing your symptoms, understanding your risk factors and reviewing your medical history. From there, our specialists use advanced imaging and other tests to confirm a diagnosis, such as:
- Blood work: Looks for signs of heart stress, kidney problems or other underlying conditions.
- Cardiac catheterization: Measures pressure and blood flow in your heart.
- Cardiac MRI or MRI stress test: Shows detailed images of your heart without radiation.
- Chest X-ray: Checks your lungs and heart size.
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): Shows how well your heart pumps.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Tracks your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
- Event monitor: Records heart rhythms over time to detect arrhythmias.
- Genetic test (cheek swab): Looks for inherited conditions linked to congestive heart failure.
- Stress test: Measures how your heart responds to different levels of activity.
