The heart has two sides: right and left. The right side of the heart pumps blood though the lungs. The left side of the heart then takes this freshly oxygenated blood, and pumps it to the other parts of the body, including the vital organs. When the left side of the heart is damaged or not working properly, it is unable to pump all the blood it receives. This will cause the fluid in the blood to back up into the lungs. It may also back up further and cause excess fluid in the liver, abdomen, and legs. This backup of fluid is called congestive Heart Failure. The name comes from the fact that Heart Failure causes fluid to fill up (congest) the lungs.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath on exertion
Shortness of breath when lying flat
Leg swelling (edema)
Heart damage from a current or previous heart attack
In individuals who already have Heart Failure, not following a low Sodium diet or forgetting to take medications can precipitate an attack. It is especially important to know what foods contain high amounts of hidden Sodium. Foods such as tomato soup or pizza are so high in Sodium they can rapidly lead to an episode of Heart Failure.
