Jane
I experienced two (2) episodes of congestive heart failure within one month. I had no symptoms such as adema, shortness of breath, nor was an labored heart beat detected during routine physical exams. After having the two CHFs within one month, extensive testing was performed revealing the aortic and mitral valves to be defective and not pumping enough blood to the heart causing the CHF. I had the aortic and mitral valves replaced with mechanical implants in 4/98, and they are working like champs with no recurrence of CHF. Along with medication, I am leading a normal life. I would pursue extensive testing in order to reveal the precise source of the CHF. Mine was found through using a test called a TEE (transephospageal Echocardiogram). Electrocardiogram, angiogram, etc., etc. revealed all normal. The TEE finally pinpointed the exact cause for the CHF.