What are some common causes of congestive heart failure?

Coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension are indeed common causes of congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other tissues.

Coronary atherosclerosis refers to the narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is deprived of sufficient oxygen and nutrients, it weakens, leading to heart failure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, forces the heart to work harder than normal, which can lead to structural changes in the heart, such as left ventricular hypertrophy. Over time, these changes can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, contributing to congestive heart failure.

Other options, while they may affect the heart and overall health, do not directly lead to congestive heart failure as prevalently as coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension do. For instance, strenuous exercise and dehydration primarily concern the acute regulation of cardiovascular function rather than chronic heart failure. Acute respiratory distress and pneumonia affect lung function and oxygenation but are not primary causes of heart failure. Diabetes and obesity are significant risk factors for heart disease and can lead to heart failure, but coronary a