Main Content

Heart Failure

What is heart failure?

This is a condition in which the heart does not pump well. This means that the heart cannot move blood throughout the body as well as usual. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs do not get as much blood as they need. This can lead to symptoms.

What causes heart failure?

The common causes of heart failure are:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD results from the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks
• High blood pressure: Over time, high blood pressure can cause the heart to become stiff or too weak to pump blood effectively
• Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle, which can be genetic or caused by other factors like infections
• Heart Valve Problems: Defective heart valves can force the heart to work harder to pump blood
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can weaken the heart over time

What are the risk factors for heart failure?

The common risk factors for heart failure are:

• Diabetes: Increases the risk of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease
• Obesity: Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase the risk of heart failure
• Smoking: Damages the blood vessels and heart, increasing the risk of heart disease
• Family History: A family history of heart disease can increase your risk
• Age: The risk of heart failure increases with age

What lifestyle factors can cause heart failure?

Managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing heart failure:

• Poor Diet
• Lack of Exercise
• Excessive Alcohol Use
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

You might have no symptoms at first. But as the condition gets worse, it can cause:

• Tiredness or weakness
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Trouble breathing – This might lead you to be less active or to need extra pillows at night to sleep.
• A racing heartbeat, even while resting
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs or in your belly

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and take a through medical history. From there, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood tests
• Chest x-ray
• Stress testing
• CT Scan
• MRI
• Coronary angiogram
• Right heart catheterization

How is heart failure treated?

In most people, heart failure is a chronic (long term) condition. While there are treatments that can help with symptoms and slow the progress of heart failure, in most cases it is a chronic condition that requires life-long treatment.

Treatments for heart failure can include:

• Diet and Lifestyle modifications
• Medications
• Pacemakers/defibrillators
• Heart Transplant
• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)