Heart failure: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Written in association with:Heart failure is a chronic medical condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. Despite its name, heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working entirely; rather, it indicates that the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal or unable to cope with the body's demands. It is a serious condition that requires lifelong management, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with heart failure can live active lives.
Causes of heart failure:
Heart failure may occur due to a range of underlying conditions that compromise or harm the functioning of the heart. Some common causes include:
Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, often due to a buildup of plaque. This reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to heart muscle damage or a heart attack, both of which can contribute to heart failure.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Chronic high blood pressure can strain the heart muscle, causing it to thicken and become stiffer over time. This extra workload can eventually weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself. Conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart chambers), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle), or restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiffening of the heart muscle) can all impair the heart's ability to pump effectively.
Heart valve disorders: Malfunctioning heart valves, whether due to congenital defects, infection, or other causes, can disrupt the flow of blood through the heart, leading to heart failure.
Past heart attacks: Scarring from a previous heart attack can weaken the heart muscle and impair its ability to pump blood effectively.
Other factors: Diabetes, obesity, certain infections, and certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) can also contribute to the development of heart failure.
Symptoms of heart failure:
The symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on its severity and the underlying cause, but common signs and symptoms include:
•Breathlessness, particularly during exercise or while reclining, may be experienced
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen (oedema)
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Diagnosis and treatment:
Diagnosing heart failure typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as:
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, allowing doctors to assess its pumping ability and identify any abnormalities.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test measures the heart's electrical activity and can help detect irregularities in heart rhythm.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can reveal signs of heart muscle damage or other conditions that may contribute to heart failure.
Once diagnosed, treatment for heart failure aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent further deterioration of heart function. Treatment options may include:
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or aldosterone antagonists to help reduce strain on the heart, control blood pressure, and manage fluid retention.
• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in managing heart failure. This includes maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
• Medical devices: In some cases, medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be recommended to help regulate heart rhythm and improve pumping efficiency.
• Surgery: In severe cases of heart failure, surgical interventions such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, or even heart transplantation may be necessary.
