Overview

What is heart failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body. But what does this mean? Understandably, while the heart is still pounding, it isn't doing as effectively as it should.

What are the symptoms of Heart Failure?

Heart failure symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of heart failure. Some of the common symptoms include:

Common Symptoms-

Shortness of breath.
Shortcomings and fatigue
A development of liquid in the legs, lower legs, and bases because of deficient blood circulation.
Quick heartbeat
Reduced capability to exercise

What causes Heart Failure?

Heart failure has several causes, such as

Heart attack or coronary artery disease.
Cardiomyopathy (viral or hereditary).
Congenital heart disease is when there are cardiac defects at birth.
Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Angina.
Renal illness.
Over-30 body mass index (BMI).
We are using recreational drugs as well as tobacco.
Adultery alcohol.

Similar to chemotherapy, which is used to treat cancer. The most frequent cause of right-sided heart failure is left-sided heart failure.

When your left ventricle is not functioning correctly, blood might back up. In the end, this backup damages the right ventricle.

What are the Tests and diagnosis of heart failure?

Your doctor will check you, your symptoms will be queried, and your medical history will be reviewed to diagnose heart failure. Your doctor tries to find out if you have any heart failure threats, like diabetes, coronary artery disease, or high blood pressure.

Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. If you listen closely to your heart, you can hear the whooshing sounds called a murmur. Your doctor may also check some of the veins on your neck, feel your legs, and feel your stomach to detect any swelling.

Your doctor may prescribe tests for diagnosing and assessing the stiffness of heart failure.

Blood tests to check for symptoms of primary conditions such as kidney problems, heart problems, and other conditions.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Chest X-ray to show indication of heart enlargement and liquid accumulation in the lung cavity.
Stress test- this checks how the heart behaves towards exercising.
Cardiac catheterization is carried out to view the arteries and cavities of the heart.
MRI or CT scan examination will help provide clear heart images. These demonstrative methods help differentiate the kind, level of stiffness, and underlying cause of Heart Failure.

How is Heart Failure treated?

The goal of Heart failure treatment is to improve the functioning of the heart, control side effects, and prevent aggravation of the disease.

The treatment type and stiffness of the heart determine the course of treatment.

Medications:- The specifics of heart failure are medication-based. The main types are as follows:

Diuretics: Deleterious fluid accumulation.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce blood vessel pressure and tension inside the heart walls.
Beta blockers- slow down the heart rate and increase blood flow.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists- Lower fluid retention and protect the heart.
Digoxin- It makes cardiovascular withdrawals more stable.

Changes in Life-

Depending on the case, you may be prescribed several drugs

Healthy weight: This would lighten the load on the heart
A sodium diet is mainly considered for a healthy heart
Smoking alters the development of the heart, too
It helps keep one feeling generally healthy in combating stress.

Medical equipment:

There are times when you require medical equipment.

Pacing devices
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
Ventricular assist devices (VADs)

Surgeries or procedures-

Heart failure procedures and interventions are generally thought to occur in severe cases that have grown resistant to drug therapy.

There are several common choices:

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): CABG improves the blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked coronary arteries.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: This device, implanted in the chest, would help manage abnormal rhythms of the heart.
Pacemaker- an implanted device that regulates heartbeat.
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) - A mechanical pump that supports heart function both in a bridge to transplant operation and as a long-term solution.

Living With

How can I look after myself?

Many people with congestive heart failure discover that their conditioning is restricted, but with the proper support and care, they can still lead fulfilling lives.

One way to find yourself is to take your medicine:

In motion.
Low salt diet intake.
Monitor and advise your supplier of the new or deteriorating adverse effects.
Make an appointment to schedule routine follow-up appointments with your physician.

Because congestive heart failure often becomes an advanced condition that worsens quickly, it is wise to let your provider and your loved ones know about your wishes regarding medical treatments. A living will, also called an advance directive, can be executed to educate all of your parental figures of your wishes. Your wishes regarding extended medical treatments are stated in your living will.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Heart Failure?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Heart Failure.