Jerry West, the legendary basketball icon, passed away due to complications primarily stemming from congestive heart failure.
In the year leading up to his death, West developed this serious condition, which significantly weakened his heart's ability to effectively pump the necessary amount of blood throughout his body. This diminished pumping efficiency is a hallmark of heart failure, impacting the body's vital organs and overall function. He also experienced an irregular heartbeat, a condition that can often contribute to or exacerbate heart failure by impairing the heart's rhythm and pumping efficiency.
Understanding Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the pumping power of your heart muscles. While the term "heart failure" might sound like the heart has stopped working entirely, it actually means that the heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should be. This can lead to various symptoms as blood backs up in the body, causing congestion, especially in the lungs, which can make breathing difficult.
- Key Aspects of His Condition:
- Weakened Heart Muscle: His heart became too weak to circulate blood effectively.
- Inadequate Blood Pumping: Insufficient blood supply to the body's organs and tissues.
- Irregular Heartbeat: A contributing factor that can compromise heart function.
Final Days and Hospitalization
In the period shortly before his passing, Jerry West spent three weeks hospitalized as his condition worsened. Following this period of medical care, he was released to his home, where he ultimately died, surrounded by his loved ones.
For more information on congestive heart failure and its management, you can visit reputable health resources like the American Heart Association.
