Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. Despite the name, it doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working completely. Instead, it means the heart is weaker or stiffer than normal and can’t keep up with the body’s needs. This can lead to tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling, and other problems.
Heart failure is a long-term condition that usually develops over time. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s most common in older adults. With the right treatment and care, many people with heart failure can live longer and feel better.
What Is Heart Failure?
The heart’s main job is to pump blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. When someone has heart failure, the heart can’t do this job properly. As a result, the body’s organs and tissues don’t get enough oxygen, and fluid can build up in the lungs, legs, or other parts of the body.
Heart failure is usually a chronic condition, meaning it doesn’t go away, but it can be managed. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may find it harder to carry out everyday activities. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease.
Types of Heart Failure
There are different types of heart failure, depending on which part of the heart is affected and how well it pumps blood:
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Left-sided heart failure, the most common type, happens when the left side of the heart can’t pump blood properly. It can cause fluid buildup in the lungs.
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Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood to the lungs. This often leads to swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen.
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Systolic heart failure means the heart’s pumping strength is reduced, and it can’t push enough blood out to the body.
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Diastolic heart failure means the heart muscles are stiff and don’t fill with blood properly between beats.
Some people may have both left and right-sided heart failure. Knowing the type helps doctors decide the best treatment.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure usually develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart over time. The most common cause is coronary artery disease, which narrows the blood vessels that supply the heart. A heart attack can also lead to heart failure if it causes part of the heart muscle to die or stop working properly.
Other causes include high blood pressure, which forces the heart to work harder than normal, and heart valve problems that affect how blood flows through the heart. In some cases, the heart muscle becomes weak due to infections, alcohol abuse, certain medications, or genetic conditions. Diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea can also increase the risk.
Often, more than one factor is involved, and the damage builds up gradually before symptoms appear.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure symptoms can be mild at first and become more noticeable over time. Common signs include:
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Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
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Fatigue or feeling tired easily
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Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or belly
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat
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Persistent coughing or wheezing, often with white or pink mucus
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Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
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Increased need to urinate at night
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Weight gain from fluid buildup
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Lack of appetite or feeling full quickly
Not everyone has all these symptoms, and their severity can change from day to day. If left untreated, heart failure can lead to serious complications, including organ damage.
How Heart Failure Is Diagnosed
To diagnose heart failure, doctors start with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. They will listen to your heart and lungs, check for swelling, and ask questions about your breathing and energy levels.
Several tests are used to confirm the diagnosis and understand how severe the condition is. A chest X-ray can show fluid in the lungs or an enlarged heart. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to show how well the heart is pumping and if any valves are damaged. A blood test called BNP or NT-proBNP measures a hormone released when the heart is under stress.
Other tests, like electrocardiograms (EKG), stress tests, or cardiac MRI scans, may also be done to check the heart’s function and structure. The results help doctors figure out the type and stage of heart failure, which guides the treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Although heart failure is a long-term condition, it can often be managed well with the right treatment. The goal is to relieve symptoms, prevent the condition from getting worse, and improve quality of life.
Treatment options include:
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Lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-salt diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and managing stress
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Medications, including diuretics to remove extra fluid, ACE inhibitors or ARBs to lower blood pressure, beta-blockers to reduce heart strain, and other drugs to help the heart pump better
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Medical devices, like pacemakers or implantable defibrillators (ICDs) for people with irregular heartbeats
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Surgical procedures, such as repairing or replacing heart valves, bypass surgery, or, in severe cases, a heart transplant
The right mix of treatments depends on the type and stage of heart failure, as well as other health conditions a person may have. Regular checkups and monitoring are important to make sure the treatment continues to work.
Living With Heart Failure
Heart failure can be a serious condition, but many people live well with it by making changes to their routine and following their treatment plan. Keeping track of your symptoms, daily weight, and medication schedule is key. If you notice sudden weight gain, increased swelling, or more shortness of breath, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.
It also helps to have a support system, whether it’s family, friends, or a healthcare team. Making healthy choices, staying active as much as possible, and learning more about the condition can all make a big difference.
Even though heart failure doesn’t go away, many people continue to enjoy life by taking good care of their heart and following medical advice.
