The human heart is an organ that pumps blood
throughout the body through the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and
nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes from the
body. The heart is made up of 4 chambers (2 atrium and 2 ventricles connected
by various valves and blood supple channels (coronary arteries and veins). Each
part of the heart has a distinct function, all the parts must work together
seamlessly and simultaneously to keep blood moving through your body.
What
is heart failure?
The
terminology “heart failure” means that the heart has grown weak or enlarged. It
does not mean the heart has stopped working or failed.
Heart failure happens when the heart
muscle becomes weakened or enlarged. The weak heart does not pump as strongly
as before or provide as much blood as the body needs.
What
are the types of heart failure?
There are two main types of heart
failure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart
pumps with less force. Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart becomes
stiff and can't fill with blood.
What
are the conditions that cause heart failure?
·
Coronary artery disease
(narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart)s
·
Past heart attack
·
High blood pressure
·
Heart valve disease
·
Cardiomyopathy (primary
disease of the heart muscle)
·
Congenital heart
disease (defects in the heart present at birth)
·
Infection of the heart
valves and/or the heart muscle
What
are the effects of heart failure?
Lung
congestion this may cause the following symptoms:
·
Shortness of breath,
wheezing or coughing when on exertion
·
Problems breathing when
lying flat
·
Waking up at night
coughing or short of breath
·
Coughing up sputum (a
thick liquid) coloured with blood
Accumulation
of fluid in the body:
When the heart is not
pumping well, blood can back up in the blood vessels and force fluid into the body tissue.
This can cause
·
Rapid weight gain
·
Swelling (called edema)
in the feet, ankles, legs and abdomen, as well as other parts of the body
·
The need to urinate
many times during the night
Reduces the amount of blood flow in
the body:
If the heart is not
pumping well, less blood moves through the body and the tissues and organs
don't get the oxygen they need.
These Symptoms include:
·
Feeling weak, tired,
dizzy
·
Confusion and trouble
thinking clearly
Kidney
Problems and cause reduced functioning of your kidney.
The kidneys help rid
the body of salt (sodium) and excess water. When the heart is not pumping well,
the kidneys do not get the blood they need to do their work. Salt and excess
water build up and make the body even more congested.
How
is heart failure diagnosed?
After medical
examination the cardiologist will recommend the following investigations
Chest X-rays, and ecg and certain cardiac tests and lab tests to
evaluate your heart.
What
is the treatment for heart failure?
·
The treatment plan may
include medications for heart failure and/or for the conditions that may have
weakened your heart in the first place.I n some cases a defibrillator or
pacemaker may be implanted.
·
Be sure to take the
medication as prescribed. Your cardiologist also may recommend a lifestyle plan
that can help you live with heart failure.
What are the medicines given during the treatment of heart failure?
• Vasodilators/ACE Inhibitors/ARBs
These drugs reduce blood pressure by
helping the blood vessels
relax and the blood to flow easier.
• Digoxin
Digoxin helps the heart pump stronger
and more regularly.
• Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers help slow the heart rate.
This improves pumping
action and lowers blood pressure.
• Diuretics
Diuretics rid the body of excess water
or swelling from the lungs, stomach, legs, ankles and feet. (Diuretics may
cause a potassium loss, so food high in potassium or a potassium supplement
maybe recommended.)
What are the other precautions to be taken
during heart failure?
·
Eating less salt
·
Drinking less fluid
·
Exercising moderately
·
Keeping track of your
weight
·
Getting enough rest and
relaxation
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