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 failureoccurs 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).
· 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?
· Drinking less fluid
· Exercising moderately
· Keeping track of your weight
· Getting enough rest and relaxation
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