10 Critical Heart Failure Facts to Know

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients. This condition often results from weakened heart muscles or heart chambers that are unable to pump effectively. As a result, organs and tissues throughout the body may not receive adequate blood flow.

There are two main types of heart failure:

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Also called left ventricular failure, this occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the body. The pressure from hypertension causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and fluid buildup.

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• CoughingAlso known as right ventricular failure, this type of heart failure occurs when the right side of the heart has difficulty pumping blood to the lungs. As a result, fluid can accumulate in the legs, ankles, and abdomen, a condition known as edema.
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fatigue

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Also known as right ventricular failure, this type happens when the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood to the lungs. Hypertension can worsen this condition, leading to fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and abdomen, known as edema.

Symptoms include:

• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Abdominal bloating
• Fatigue

Symptoms of Heart Failure

The symptoms of heart failure generally arise because the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Common symptoms include:

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Fluid buildup in the lungs can make breathing difficult, particularly when lying down or during sleep. This symptom is called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Cough

Persistent coughing, which often worsens at night, can result from fluid accumulation in the lungs due to the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently.

Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations)

The heart may beat faster in an attempt to compensate for reduced blood flow. This increased heart rate is the body's way of supplying more oxygen to the tissues.

Fatigue

Insufficient oxygen delivery to the muscles and organs leads to feelings of tiredness, weakness, and reduced physical endurance.

Chest Pain

Reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle can cause chest discomfort or pain, which may vary from a mild sensation of pressure to severe pain.

Edema (Swelling)

Fluid retention”particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet”can develop when the kidneys retain sodium and water because the heart is unable to maintain proper circulation.

Liver Enlargement

Right-sided heart failure can cause blood to back up into the liver, resulting in liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and discomfort in the upper right abdomen.

Coldness and Discoloration in the Feet

Reduced circulation may cause the feet and legs to feel cold and appear bluish or purplish.

Heart Failure Symptoms in Infants and Children

In children, hypertension can contribute to heart failure through congenital heart defects or long-term high blood pressure.

Common symptoms in infants and children include:

• Rapid or deep breathing
• Increased coughing, especially at night
• Fatigue during routine activities
• Poor weight gain
• Chest retractions or flaring of the nostrils while breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Pale or bluish skin discoloration
• Weight loss

End-Stage Heart Failure Symptoms

In advanced stages, heart failure symptoms become more severe and may signal the need for immediate medical attention:

• Severe shortness of breath, even at rest
• Extreme fatigue, even after rest
• Persistent and widespread edema (swelling in hands, ankles, legs, and abdomen)
• Abdominal bloating due to fluid retention
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
• Profuse sweating, especially at night
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion due to reduced oxygen supply
• Irregular heart rhythms, dizziness, or fainting

Treatment for Heart Failure

Treatment for heart failure is tailored based on the severity of the condition, its underlying cause, and the patient's overall health. The primary goals of treatment are to improve heart function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient's quality of life.

1. Medications

To control hypertension and improve heart function, doctors may prescribe:

• ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): Help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, easing the heart's workload.
• ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Function similarly to ACE inhibitors, lowering the strain on the heart.
• Beta-Blockers: Slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, improving heart efficiency.
• Diuretics: Help eliminate excess fluid from the body, reducing swelling and easing breathing.
• Aldosterone Antagonists: Prevent the retention of sodium and fluid.
• Digoxin: Supports stronger heart contractions but is used less frequently due to potential side effects.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Controlling hypertension starts with healthy habits:

• Dietary changes: Limiting salt intake, managing fluid consumption, and following a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity under medical supervision can improve heart function.
• Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart.
• Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption: These habits significantly improve heart health.

3. Medical Devices and Surgical Treatments

In some cases, medications alone may not be sufficient, and device implantation or surgery may be required:

• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Uses a pacemaker to improve the coordination of heartbeats.
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac arrest by correcting abnormal heart rhythms.
• Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD): Mechanical pumps that support the heart's pumping function.
• Heart Transplantation: Heart transplantation is considered a last-resort option for advanced heart failure when all other treatments have proven ineffective.

4. Additional Treatment Options

• Fluid management: Monitoring and limiting fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
• Oxygen therapy: May be recommended for patients with low oxygen levels.

5. Supportive Care

• Psychological support: Counseling and emotional support can be helpful, as heart failure may affect both quality of life and mental health.
• Regular follow-ups: Ongoing monitoring of the patient's condition and regular medication adjustments are essential for effective management.

Liv Hospital Editorial Board  has contributed to the publication of this content .
* The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not contain information about medicinal health care services at Liv Hospital.

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