A simple guide for patients and caregivers
Chronic heart failure (CHF) doesn’t mean your heart has stopped, it means it’s not pumping blood as well as it should. This can happen slowly over time, often due to high blood pressure, heart attacks or other long-term heart conditions.
What Is Heart Failure?
Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood to the rest of your body. When it weakens, it can’t keep up with the body’s needs. Blood and fluid may back up into the lungs, legs and feet, making it harder to breathe and easier to feel tired.
Common Symptoms
Knowing the signs can help you act early. These include:
Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
Fatigue or feeling weak
Swelling in legs, feet or stomach
Persistent cough or wheezing
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Weight gain from fluid retention
If you notice any of these getting worse, contact your healthcare provider.
Why It Matters for Wound Healing
When your heart doesn’t pump well, wounds don’t heal well. Poor circulation means your skin and tissues don’t get enough oxygen or nutrients. This makes it harder for the body to repair itself and easier for infections to develop.
That’s why at Chicago Medical Group Heart Failure and Wounds, we treat both the heart and the wound. Healing starts with understanding.
Need help managing your heart failure and wound care at home? Contact us today to learn how our mobile team can help.