I don't have much experience with CHF, but I have read that syncope is one of the symptoms. This is when your blood pressure goes low because your heart is beating too slow. This would cause you to go unconscious when your heart slows down too much. This used to happen with my mother until she got a pacemaker put in. What did the doctors say when you were last hospitalized?

I know just how frightening this diagnosis can be, but rest assured it's not the end of the world. My diagnosis came nearly ten years ago, and no telling how long I enjoyed CHF before that, and yet here I am still enjoying every day. Admittedly some more than others.

So let me share some advice; do not believe everything you read or hear on this topic. According to many sites on the internet, I am long past my expiration date. Unless I'm writing from the beyond they're wrong. Get your information from reputable web sites, and make sure the information is up to date. Medicine is changing rapidly and what was true just a few years ago is no longer pertinent.

Your doctor will provide you with a treatment regimen, make sure you take all the meds he prescribes on time, eat properly and see him regularly. It's very very very important you watch your sodium (salt) intake and fluids. Learn to read labels and watch carefully what you consume. Believe me, I was skeptical but found that food is so much better without things like salt. get creative with your cooking.

Watch your weight. Weigh yourself every morning about the same time, after emptying your bladder. Any weight gain of more than 3 pounds in one day or 5 in a week is strong indicator you are retaining fluids, known as edema. Make sure you ask your doctor what to do if you have edema (swelling). There are little tricks, but it's important your doctor tell you how to handle it.

Finally, make sure you exercise regularly. One of the best exercises is walking for CHF patients. I suggest you check into a cardiac rehab program, usually run by hospitals and your doctor can recommend one for you. The benefit of a cardiac rehab program is that they will monitor you under medical conditions to ensure you are not overdoing it, and most provide additional features such as nutrition.

Good luck to you, and if you ever have more specific questions let me know. Happy to help out.

I understand completely. I was just diagnosed 1 month ago, but I am sure it has been going on much longer. I believe mine was caused from chemo, Adriamycin (sp?) from 5 years ago. Tanks for the inspiration RoboPop. I am trying to get into a cardiac rehab program, not sure if insurance will cover it.