Congestive Heart Failure currently affects approximately 4.6 million Americans. There are as many as 550,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly, making heart failure the only cardiovascular disease that is on the rise. CHF is usually the result of a long history of heart disease. It can also occur after a heart attack or be a result of uncontrolled high blood pressure. It generally affects older adults. Fluid builds up in the body, especially in the legs, ankles and feet. The heart does not circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs, resulting in shortness of breath. CHF requires some changes in lifestyle to enable the heart to work as effectively as possible.
