Heart Failure

Heart failure causes, symptoms, complications and treatment in the best hospitals in the world

Heart failure does not imply that the heart has ceased functioning. It indicates that the heart is working less efficiently than usual. Blood moves more slowly through the heart and body due to a variety of possible causes, and heart pressure rises. As a result, the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the needs of the body.

The chambers of the heart may respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body or by becoming stiff and thickened. This helps to keep the blood moving, but the heart muscle walls may eventually weaken and become unable to pump as efficiently. The kidneys may respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. If fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs, the body becomes congested. Congestive heart failure is the term used to describe the condition.

Heart Failure Symptoms

You may have no symptoms of heart failure, or you may have mild to severe symptoms. Symptoms may be constant or intermittent. The possible symptoms include:

Congested lungs. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can result in shortness of breath during physical activity, as well as difficulty breathing at rest or while lying flat in bed. Congestion of the lungs can also result in a dry, hacking cough or wheezing.
Water and fluid retention. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys causes fluid and water retention, resulting in edema (swelling of the ankles, legs, and abdomen) and weight gain. Symptoms may result in a greater need to urinate at night. If your stomach is bloated, you may experience a loss of appetite or nausea.
weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. Reduced blood flow to your major organs and muscles causes fatigue and weakness. Reduced blood flow to the brain can result in dizziness or confusion.
irregular or rapid heartbeats. The heart beats faster to supply the body with sufficient blood. This can cause an irregular or rapid heartbeat.

Heart Failure Causes

Heart failure is caused by a variety of conditions that harm the heart muscle, such as:

Cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD), a disease of the arteries that supply the heart with blood and oxygen, reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. If the arteries become clogged or severely constricted, the heart becomes oxygen- and nutrient-starved.
Heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, preventing blood from reaching the heart muscle. A heart attack damages the heart muscle, leaving behind a scarred region that does not function properly.
Cardiomyopathy. Heart muscle damage from causes other than artery or blood flow problems, such as infections or substance abuse.
Conditions that tax the heart excessively
Heart failure can be caused by conditions including high blood pressure, valve disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and congenital heart defects. Additionally, heart failure can occur when multiple diseases or conditions coexist.

Heart Failure Diagnostics

Your physician will inquire extensively about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked about any conditions that could lead to heart failure (such as coronary artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and high blood pressure). You will be asked if you smoke, if you take drugs, if you drink alcohol (and how much you drink), and if you take drugs.

You will also receive a comprehensive physical examination. Your doctor will listen to your heart and look for signs of heart failure as well as other conditions that may have weakened or stiffened your heart muscle.

Additionally, your physician may order additional tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure. These consist of:

Blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate the function of the kidneys and the thyroid, as well as to determine cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. Anemia is a blood disorder caused by a lack of hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that allows the blood to transport oxygen throughout the body) in the blood.
Blood test for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). BNP is a substance secreted by the heart in response to changes in blood pressure that occur during the onset or progression of heart failure. Blood levels of BNP rise when symptoms of heart failure worsen and fall when the condition is stable. A person with heart failure, even if their condition is stable, may have a higher BNP level than someone with normal heart function. Heart failure severity is not necessarily correlated with BNP levels.
Chest radiograph. A chest X-ray reveals the size of the heart and any fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs.
Echocardiogram. This test is an ultrasound that reveals the movement, structure, and function of the heart.
Ejection fraction (EF) is used to determine the presence of systolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved left ventricular function by measuring the efficiency with which the heart pumps with each beat.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) (EKG or ECG). The electrical impulses traveling through the heart are recorded by an EKG.
The catheterization of the heart. This invasive procedure determines whether coronary artery disease is the underlying cause of congestive heart failure.
Stress Test. Stress tests that are noninvasive provide information regarding the likelihood of coronary artery disease.
Depending on your condition, other tests may be ordered.

Heart Failure Treatment

Your physician will inquire extensively about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked about any conditions that could lead to heart failure (such as coronary artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and high blood pressure). You will be asked if you smoke, if you take drugs, if you drink alcohol (and how much you drink), and if you take drugs.

You will also receive a comprehensive physical examination. Your doctor will listen to your heart and look for signs of heart failure as well as other conditions that may have weakened or stiffened your heart muscle.

Additionally, your physician may order additional tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure. These consist of:

Blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate the function of the kidneys and the thyroid, as well as to determine cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. Anemia is a blood disorder caused by a lack of hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that allows the blood to transport oxygen throughout the body) in the blood.
Blood test for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). BNP is a substance secreted by the heart in response to changes in blood pressure that occur during the onset or progression of heart failure. Blood levels of BNP rise when symptoms of heart failure worsen and fall when the condition is stable. A person with heart failure, even if their condition is stable, may have a higher BNP level than someone with normal heart function. Heart failure severity is not necessarily correlated with BNP levels.
Chest radiograph. A chest X-ray reveals the size of the heart and any fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs.
Echocardiogram. This test is an ultrasound that reveals the movement, structure, and function of the heart.
Ejection fraction (EF) is used to determine the presence of systolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved left ventricular function by measuring the efficiency with which the heart pumps with each beat.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) (EKG or ECG). The electrical impulses traveling through the heart are recorded by an EKG.
The catheterization of the heart. This invasive procedure determines whether coronary artery disease is the underlying cause of congestive heart failure.
Stress Test. Stress tests that are noninvasive provide information regarding the likelihood of coronary artery disease.
Depending on your condition, other tests may be ordered.