About Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is categorized by a lack of adequate blood flow throughout the system; a result of the heart not pumping enough blood to meet the body's functional needs. This may cause fluid to build up in the legs, lungs, organs & various other tissues.
Cause
Heart failure most often results from an injury to the heart, developing slowly over time. Common injuries to the heart, leading to Heart Failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial Infarction (previously-occurring heart attack)
- Hypertension (high-blood pressure, and resulting stress on the heart)
- Coronary Valve disease
- Congenital Heart Disease (condition from birth)
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Endocarditis
- Myocarditis (infection in the heart tissue)
- Diabetes
Risk Factors
Although it is difficult to predict who is more susceptible to heart failure, as there are a variety of contributing factors, Heart Failure risk factors include:
- Hypertension (existing high blood pressure)
- Myocardial infarction (previous heart attack)
- Abnormal heart valves
- Cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart)
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
symptoms of heart failure may not always be easily visible; physical symptoms of natural aging have some similarities. However, there are cases in which symptoms of heart failure are more obvious. Because of the heart's inability to supply adequate blood flow to vital organs and tissue, some signs may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet & legs
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping, due to breathing complications
- Swollen or tender abdomen, loss of appetite
- Cough with "frothy" mucus or phlegm
- Increased urination at night
- Confusion
- Impaired memory
- *Consult your physician if you think you have symptoms Heart failure; if you think you might be experiencing a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
only your physician can diagnose heart failure, and the severity of the condition. Medical professionals are likely to review your personal medical history, family medical history, environment and lifestyle. In addition to personal medical review, your doctor may order one or several of these diagnostic tests::
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest x-ray
- Exercise test (stress test)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Ejection Fraction testing (blood pumped out of the heart during each beat)
Treatment Options for Heart Failure:
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: in some cases of heart failure, the chambers of the heart do not beat in synchronicity, which forces the heart to work harder. In such cases, cardiac resynchronization therapy involves the implantation of a pacemaker
Lifestyle Changes:
In order to relive the symptoms of heart failure, reduce stress on the heart, and address behavioral & environmental risk factors, physicians may recommend making changes to your personal lifestyle. Frequent recommendations include quitting smoking, limiting your sodium intake, losing weight, or reducing stress level.
Heart Medications:
Your physician may prescribe pharmaceutical treatment for congestive heart failure such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, blood thinners, and diuretics. It is common for a combination of heart medications to be prescribed.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy:
CRT involves an implantable heart device that sends electrical pulses to the lower chambers of the heart to help them beat in a more synchronized/ efficient rhythm. CRT aims to improve the efficiency of the heart, restoring its ability to pump adequate blood supply.
Heart Surgery:
if heart failure is caused by weak valve,
heart surgery may be considered as a treatment
method to repair or replace the valve. In the
most severe cases where heart failure is
irreversible, heart transplant surgery may be
considered as a treatment option.