Can you tell me why people with CHF are a bit confused at times, are lacking concentration and are sometimes disoriented? (medically speaking)
2006-06-20 11:48:49 · 7 answers · asked by minnie 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
CHF causes fluid to buildup in the lining of the patient's lungs. This makes it hard to breathe. Often one of the cardinal symptoms of CHF is shortness of breath. If the patient really is struggling to breathe then they aren't getting enough oxygen to supply the brain which manifests itself as disorientation and confusion.
2006-06-20 11:55:03 · answer #1 · answered by softballer006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CHF is congestive heart failure. Although it sounds very scary, it means that the body requires more blood than the heart can pump. People can live with CHF for a while, but they have to take medication and adhere to a dietary regimen that limits salt, among other things.
2016-05-20 06:17:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people with CHF have low blood O2 levels. Take a reading if in question maybe it is time to begin regular o2. Or there could be another Secondary infection going on Many times a Urinary Tract Infection will cause confusion and Disorientation even violence
2006-06-20 11:53:50 · answer #3 · answered by tracy b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is because they retain fluid and it can build up any were in the body around the ankles around the heart and lungs and when this happen it causes the heart and lungs to have to work harder and the harder the heart works the more enlarged it get. If that happens less blood is profuse through the body which means less oxygen and more carbon dioxide build up they get and all this can cause any and all of the effects you have listed. If this is occurring you may need to take who every in to have a blood sample checked they may need a diuretic which pulls the water buildup from their body and expels it through the bladder. Or if they are all ready on this medication they my have a low potassium level that can cause the same symptom either way a visit to the Dr. wouldn't hurt.
2006-06-20 12:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by Shorty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are referring to congestive heart failure, (or any heart ailment) remember that the heart pumps blood all over the body. Primary job of blood is to carry water, oxygen, and nutrients. If heart is not working properly, then lets say the brain does not get what it needs properly, which could explain someone's confusion and lack of concentration. The same thing happens at high altitudes (low oxygen atmosphere) in people who skydive from very high altitudes, climb mountains (like Everest), or fly aircraft at high altitudes that are not pressurized.
2006-06-20 11:54:33 · answer #5 · answered by Fun and Games 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually with CHF there is a decrease in the oxygen level to the brain (Hypoxia) and that is the reason for the confusion.
2006-06-20 11:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by Lady Mandeville 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lack of oxygen to the brain forsure!
2006-06-20 11:53:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋