What is congestive heart failure?

Mar 23, 2011 2:30 PM by
Posted in Entertainment

What Caused Liz Taylor's Death?

Today the legendary Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure, a condition that accounts for approximately 300,000 deaths per year in the United States. But what is this devastating diagnosis?

According to the American Heart Association, congestive heart failure or CHF occurs when "the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs." The heart's pumping ability is weakened, unable to sustain proper blood flow, often resulting in death. Causes for this breakdown are varied, and can include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, infection, and genetic birth defects to name a few.

Treatment

Patients suffering from congestive heart failure can reduce its harmful symptoms with a healthy diet, limited physical activities and medication. Taylor was diagnosed with congestive heart failure years ago and and even underwent heart surgery years ago and managed to adapt her lifestyle to accommodate the debilitating affliction. Taylor's publicist explained the star's symptoms where under control until 6 weeks ago when she was hospitalized for complications.

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Comments

Comments on "What is congestive heart failure?"

Shaliyah March 24, 2011 | 10:05 AM

Thats so sad that Liz Taylor went through that :( Glad to learn a little bit about it, I think awareness about the condition will help people be more aware of their bodies and take better care of themselves. cool article!

Brittney March 23, 2011 | 5:44 PM

Wonderful article, Jillian!!! :)

Sheryl March 23, 2011 | 2:44 PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE the article by Jillian! I'm a huge Liz Taylor fan and this was one of the most informative articles I have read since her unfortunate death. Keep up the good work "She Knows"! Great writing!

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