Heart & Cardiovascular
Heart Failure
About Heart Failure
Heart failure, sometimes referred to as congestive heart failure, is a chronic condition where the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. This means the body's need for blood and oxygen is not fully met.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
Diagnosis
Diagnosis commonly involves a physical examination, review of medical history, and various tests such as an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and blood tests. These tests help determine the type and severity of heart failure and identify potential underlying causes.
Causes
Heart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. Common causes may include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and certain heart valve diseases.
Treatment Overview
Managing heart failure often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes medical procedures or devices. Medications may include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics, while lifestyle changes might focus on diet and exercise. Some individuals may also explore complementary approaches, though these should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for heart failure can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, severity, and how well the condition is managed. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals may experience an improved quality of life and a slower progression of the condition.
Types & Variants
Left-sided Heart Failure
The most common type. The left ventricle doesn't pump efficiently, causing blood to back up into the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
Right-sided Heart Failure
Often occurs as a result of left-sided failure. The right ventricle has trouble pumping blood to the lungs, causing fluid to build up in the abdomen, legs, and feet.
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
Also known as systolic heart failure. The left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally, so the heart can't pump with enough force to push enough blood into circulation.
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
Also known as diastolic heart failure. The heart muscle contracts normally, but the ventricles are stiff and don't relax properly between beats, which interferes with filling.
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