Heart failure, often referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a chronic condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump blood as well as it should. This can be due to the heart being unable to fill with enough blood (diastolic heart failure) or the heart’s inability to pump blood with enough force (systolic heart failure). In some cases, both problems may exist. Heart failure can involve the left side (left ventricle), right side (right ventricle), or both sides of your heart.
Causes
Heart failure is often a result of other diseases that have damaged or added stress to the heart muscle, including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), is the most common form, where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed.
- Heart attack, which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked suddenly, may lead to damaged heart tissue and subsequently heart failure.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) forces the heart to pump harder than normal, leading to potential heart muscle weakening over time.
- Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle itself, can lead to heart failure.
- Conditions that overwork the heart, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or severe anemia, can also cause heart failure.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure can range from mild to severe and may come and go. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath during activity or while resting.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Reduced ability to exercise.
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.
- Increased need to urinate at night.
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing heart failure involves a physical exam, patient history, and several tests. These may include:
- Blood tests to check for substances that indicate heart failure.
- Chest X-ray to show the size of your heart and whether there is fluid build-up around the heart and lungs.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to record the heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram to provide a detailed image of the heart’s structure and function.
- MRI or CT scans to produce detailed images of the heart.
Treatment
Treatment for heart failure can improve symptoms and help the heart pump better but typically does not cure the condition. It often involves:
- Medication to reduce fluid, improve the heart’s ability to pump blood, decrease stress on the heart, and prevent blood clots.
- Lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing salt intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
- Devices and surgical procedures, like implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), ventricular assist devices (VADs), or heart transplantation in severe cases.
Management
Living with heart failure requires careful management of the condition, including regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider, adherence to treatment plans, and monitoring for any changes in symptoms. Early detection and management of symptoms can significantly improve the quality of life for those with heart failure.
The management of heart failure is a dynamic field, with ongoing research into better treatments and potential cures. Advances in medical science offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with this challenging condition.
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