Heart failure is a long-term condition wherein the heart does not pump adequately enough to meet the requirements of the body. It is a fairly common condition to develop, with various different types including:
- Left-sided heart failure (including heart failure with reduced or preserved left ventricular functions)
- Right-sided heart failure
Heart failure is a dangerous condition that is often caused by the following factors:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attacks
- Congenital heart conditions
- Cardiomyopathy
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmia
- Obesity
- Kidney disorders
- Smoking
- Certain medications
If left untreated, heart failure can be fatal, resulting in the following negative effects:
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Sudden cardiac arrests
- Valve problems
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Kidney or liver damage
- Fluid collection in the lungs
- Malnutrition
Heart failure is often characterized by various symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling and weakening of ankles, feet, legs and/or abdomen
- Sudden weight gain
- Need to urinate while resting
- Heart palpitations or arrhythmia
- Dry cough
- Bloated stomach, leading to loss of appetite or nausea
Diagnosis and Treatment
Heart failure is diagnosed through a series of tests, scans and examinations that can help the doctor accurately determine your root problems and suggest appropriate treatments. Some diagnosis methods include:
- Physical examination
- Examination of personal medical history as well as familial history
- Blood tests
- Cardiac catheterization
- X-rays of the chest
- Echocardiogram
- MRI scan
- ECG
- Stress test
Once an accurate diagnosis is obtained, you will be suggested any of the following treatment options, depending on your condition and its severity:
- Medications, including beta-blockers, enzyme inhibitors, etc.
- Surgical methods, to repair or replace faulty valves, vessels or other parts of the heart
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy
- Implantable cardiac defibrillators
- Heart transplants, in extreme cases
Prevention and Remedies
Heart failures can be prevented for the most part by following simple steps, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating healthy and balanced meals
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress levels
- Quitting smoking
- Quitting or limiting alcohol
- Managing other medical conditions, you may have
