Congestive Heart Failure

To understand congestive heart failure, it is advisable to see the cardiologist, the heart specialist, since in this condition the heart does not pump blood with the efficiency needed and fluid tends to accumulate in different parts of the body.

What it is: The heart muscle weakens or becomes stiffer, so that blood circulates with difficulty and fluid is retained in the lungs, legs, or abdomen.

Frequent symptoms: Shortness of breath with exertion or when lying down, swelling of the legs and ankles, fatigue, weight gain from fluid retention, and palpitations.

Which specialist treats it? The cardiologist coordinates the follow-up and, in children, the pediatric cardiologist; the general practitioner assists in the initial evaluation and the nutritionist with eating habits. If you notice these symptoms, discussing it with a professional allows you to better care for your heart.