What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is have said to occur when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood. Because of this, blood backs up and may cause fluid to build up in the lungs and other organs such as the liver and around the abdomen. Heart failure is typically a chronic process and occurs over years, but it can also sometimes occur suddenly such as after a heart attack.
Possible Causes
The most common cause of chronic heart failure is long-standing untreated high blood pressure or hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can cause strain to the chambers of the heart and result in enlargement or hypertrophy of the heart overtime. This can affect the pumping ability of the heart and result in its failure. Another important cause of heart failure is a heart attack. A heart attack is precipitated by narrowed blood vessels (coronary arteries) to the heart. When less blood reaches the heart musculature, a part of it may weaken or completely die. Because of this, the pumping ability of the heart can be affected and result in either an acute heart failure or chronic heart failure. Less common causes of heart failure include a drug side effect or a viral infection.
Risk Factors
Advancing age, hypertension, smoking, and obesity are important risk factors for heart failure. Having diabetes mellitus can also put you at an elevated risk of heart failure. Other conditions related to the heart such as a congenital disease or a valvular disorder may also result in heart failure.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Shortness of breath when lying down or during sleep if heart failure is severe
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Increased weight gain
- Fatigue
- Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Continuous coughing with mucus
- Lack of appetite
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
Heart failure can be suspected when its classic signs and symptoms occur. A chest X-ray is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. Typical X-ray findings include an enlarged heart contour, infiltrates in the lungs and prominent blood vessels of the heart. When the diagnosis is unclear, a blood test of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) can be performed which confirms heart failure. Other adjunctive tests that are sometimes done include an EKG, echocardiogram, and a cardiac CT scan.
Treatment Options
Once heart failure develops, it usually becomes irreversible. Lifelong management of blood pressure and blood glucose levels is the pinnacle of treatment in heart failure. Medications such as beta blockers, diuretics and ACE-inhibitors are used as first-line treatment for heart failure. Regular use of these medications usually improves symptoms and signs. However, if the heart failure is severe or does not respond to medication, surgical options may be tried. These may include a coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair, or implantable pacemakers.
FAQs
Q. What are the complications of untreated heart failure?
If heart failure is not adequately managed, it may result in damage to one or more organs. The liver and kidney are susceptible to injury when the blood backs up in heart failure. The heart itself can also suffer – irregular heartbeats can ensure which can be potentially life-threatening.
Q. What are some lifestyle/home remedies for heart failure?
Making lifestyle changes can greatly improve the symptoms of heart failure and slow down or completely stop its progress. These changes include quitting smoking, losing weight, eating a balanced and a healthy diet, reducing alcohol intake, and limiting your salt intake.
Q. Can you prevent heart failure?
Controlling modifiable risk factors can prevent the development of heart failure. Some of these include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through exercise, eating a low-salt and healthy diet, and managing stress.