Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems—Heart Failure

Also called: CHF, Cardiac failure, Congestive heart failure, Left-sided heart failure, Right-sided heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way it should. It can affect one or both sides of the heart.

The weakening of the heart’s pumping ability causes

Blood and fluid to back up into the lungs
The buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs – called edema
Tiredness and shortness of breath

Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is more common in people who are 65 years old or older, African Americans, people who are overweight, and people who have had a heart attack. Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women.

Your doctor will diagnose heart failure by doing a physical exam and heart tests. Treatment includes treating the underlying cause of your heart failure, medicines, and heart transplantation if other treatments fail.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Brain natriutetic peptide test (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure – discharge (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure – fluids and diuretics (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure – home monitoring (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure – medicines (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure in children – home care (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure in children – overview (Medical Encyclopedia)
Heart failure overview (Medical Encyclopedia)
Pleural effusion (Medical Encyclopedia)
Pulmonary edema (Medical Encyclopedia)

It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, call your health care provider right away.

Learning information about your baby’s condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby’s care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.