Why is this important?

Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your blood vessels to thicken. Fat and plaque then stick to the wall of your blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important for your health that you get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital.

Higher percentages are better.

Information about Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure is a progressive cardiac illness in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the body's needs. You also might hear it referred to as chronic heart failure or simply heart failure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) says CHF is often the result of cardiovascular disease that has weakened the heart over a period of time. AHA estimates there are over half a million new cases each year. The annual number of deaths directly from CHF is increasing too, and it's the most common diagnosis in hospital patients age 65 years and older.

There are things people can do to decrease their chances of having CHF in their later years. The early detection and aggressive treatment of high blood pressure and heart attack… the two leading causes of CHF... are essential.
Symptoms of heart failure may include

• shortness of breath from fluid in the lungs
• swelling (such as in legs, ankles or abdomen)
• dizziness
• fatigue
• weakness
• cold or clammy skin
• a rapid or irregular heartbeat.