The following disorders can lead to congestive heart failure by limiting muscle contraction strength, limiting the heart chambers' ability to fill with blood, or overfilling the pumping chambers:

• Narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart

• Scar tissue from a previous heart attack

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Diseases of heart valves traced to earlier rheumatic fever, etc.

• Primary disease of the heart

• Birth defects (congenital heart disease)

• Infected heart valves or heart muscle (endocarditis, myocarditis)

Your doctor can recommend many forms of treatment, but, primarily, limit your salt (sodium) intake. Excess sodium can result in the retention of water, which can make the heart have to work harder and cause edema, swelling of the lower extremities.

Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.

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