❤️ Understanding Congestive Heart Failure and How We Can Help by your Internist Geriatrician PCP Physician in Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Aug 25, 2025
- 5 min read
At Wellness Bay Primary Care in Georgetown, we explain heart conditions in a clear, welcoming way—especially for our seniors and Medicare patients. If you’re searching for a primary care physician in Georgetown TX, a PCP Georgetown TX, or a family doctor near me, this guide will help you understand congestive heart failure (CHF) and what you can do next.
What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?
Heart failure means the heart can’t pump (or relax) well enough to meet the body’s needs. Fluid can back up into the lungs and legs—this is the “congestion.”
HFrEF: reduced pumping strength (low ejection fraction).
HFpEF: stiff heart that doesn’t relax well (often in older adults, high blood pressure, diabetes).
Whether you think of us as an internist, geriatrician, or PCP physician in Georgetown TX, our job is to find the cause, optimize treatment, and keep you feeling your best.
Common Symptoms
Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat
Swelling of legs/ankles/feet or abdomen
Sudden weight gain (often >2 lb in 24 hrs or >5 lb in a week)
Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance
Chest pressure or palpitations
Nighttime cough or needing extra pillows
Loss of appetite, early fullness, or belly bloating
Causes & Risk Factors
Coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
Long‑standing high blood pressure
Heart valve disease or atrial fibrillation
Diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea
Viral myocarditis, alcohol/drug toxicity, certain chemotherapy
Kidney disease, thyroid disease, anemia
Family history of cardiomyopathy
Prevention starts with great primary care, which is why many patients choose our Georgetown medical clinic and family medical center Georgetown TX for ongoing heart health.
Pathophysiology (How CHF Happens)
When the heart is weak (HFrEF) or stiff (HFpEF), it can’t move blood efficiently. The kidneys sense “low flow” and retain salt and water—causing swelling and lung congestion. Hormonal systems (SNS and RAAS) ramp up, which helps short‑term but harms the heart long‑term. Modern treatments target these systems to unload the heart, remove extra fluid, and protect the heart muscle.
Investigations We May Recommend
Exam & vitals: weight trends, blood pressure, oxygen level
Labs: BNP/NT‑proBNP, CMP (kidney/electrolytes), CBC, thyroid, iron studies; sometimes A1C & lipids
EKG and Chest X‑ray
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): checks ejection fraction and valves
Stress testing or coronary CT angiography (when ischemia is suspected)
Sleep study (screen for sleep apnea)
Holter/patch monitor if palpitations or AFib suspected
Treatment Options
Medical Therapies (individualized)
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide/torsemide) for fluid relief
ACE‑I/ARB/ARNI (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan) to ease strain and protect the heart
Evidence‑based beta‑blockers (metoprolol succinate, carvedilol, bisoprolol)
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone/eplerenone)
SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin/dapagliflozin) — beneficial in both HFrEF and HFpEF
Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate in select patients
Devices when needed: ICD/CRT for rhythm/resynchronization; valve repair options if valve disease is the driver
Vaccines (flu, COVID, pneumonia) to prevent infections that can trigger decompensation
As an internal medicine near me option serving senior care in Georgetown TX, we adjust medicines carefully to your blood pressure, kidneys, and electrolytes—especially potassium.
Home Care & Lifestyle Changes
Daily weights: same scale/time; call us for rapid gains (e.g., >2 lb/day or >5 lb/week)
Low‑sodium eating: aim for whole foods; watch restaurant/packaged foods; avoid added salt, salty snacks, and high‑sodium sauces
Fluids: if we advise restriction, a common target is ~1.5–2 L/day (varies by labs/symptoms)
Move more: walking, cardiac rehab, or gentle strength training as tolerated
Sleep: treat sleep apnea; elevate head of bed if breathless at night
Limit alcohol, quit smoking; avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen/naproxen) and decongestants (pseudoephedrine) unless cleared
Compression stockings may help leg swelling (check with us first)
Medication list: keep an updated list; take meds exactly as prescribed
Prevention Tips
Keep blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol controlled as advised by your Internist Geriatrician PCP Physician in Georgetown TX.
Heart‑healthy diet and steady exercise routine
Maintain a healthy weight and good sleep
Manage coronary disease early; treat valve problems
Avoid cardiotoxins (excess alcohol, cocaine); discuss chemo risks with your team
Stay up‑to‑date on vaccines
When to See a Doctor (or Seek Urgent Care)
Call our clinic promptly if you notice:
New/worsening shortness of breath, swelling, or fast weight gain
Dizziness, fainting, or new palpitations
Trouble lying flat, needing more pillows, or nighttime breathlessness
Call 911 or go to the ER for:
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Chest pain/pressure not resolving in minutes
Confusion, fainting, bluish lips, or oxygen levels staying low
If you’re searching for a Medicare primary care physician near me or doctors in Georgetown TX who take time to listen, we’re here for you.
How an Internist, Geriatrician & PCP Physician in Georgetown TX Can Help
We tailor therapy to your condition (HFrEF vs HFpEF), review every medication for safety, and coordinate with cardiology when needed. As a community‑focused family practice center, we make same‑day appointments when possible and offer extended visits so nothing is rushed.
Top 10 FAQs About CHF
Is CHF the same as “heart failure”?Yes—“congestive heart failure” is commonly used when fluid buildup is part of the picture.
Can CHF be reversed?Many patients improve significantly with the right meds, lifestyle changes, and treating the cause (e.g., blood pressure, blocked arteries, valve disease).
How much salt is okay?Targets vary, but reducing processed foods and added salt is the biggest win. We’ll personalize your goal.
How much should I drink?Some patients need fluid limits; others don’t. We decide based on labs and symptoms.
What’s a “good” ejection fraction?Normal is ~50–70%. Lower numbers suggest reduced pumping (HFrEF), but symptoms and response to therapy matter most.
Can I exercise?Yes—often recommended. Start gently; cardiac rehab is ideal. We’ll guide you.
Which OTC meds should I avoid?NSAIDs and decongestants can worsen CHF. Ask us before starting new OTCs or supplements.
What about potassium?Some heart meds raise potassium. Don’t use salt substitutes with potassium unless we’ve okayed them.
Can I travel?Usually—bring meds, track your weight, wear compression on long trips, and plan rest breaks.
When will I feel better?Some feel better within days (with diuretics); heart‑protective meds can take weeks–months to show full benefit.
💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together
The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
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