Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. This happens when the heart muscle is weakened, damaged, or becomes too stiff to function properly.

When this occurs, the heart chambers may not fill up with enough blood, or the blood may not be able to leave the heart in sufficient amounts to supply the body’s organs and tissues. Heart failure is a chronic condition and can seriously impact your quality of life, and even be life-threatening if left untreated.

Types of Heart Failure

There are two types of heart failure: left-sided and right-sided. Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is weakened and unable to pump blood efficiently to the body’s organs.

It can be further classified into systolic heart failure, where the heart muscle is too weak to contract effectively, and diastolic heart failure, where the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot relax enough to fill with blood.

On the other hand, right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle is not functioning properly and cannot pump enough blood to the lungs to receive sufficient oxygen.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can develop gradually or suddenly. Common symptoms of heart failure include:.

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when you lie down or exert yourself
Wheezing or coughing, especially at night or in the morning
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Fatigue or weakness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain or discomfort

Risk Factors for Heart Failure

Anyone can develop heart failure, but several factors can increase your risk, such as:.

High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Family history of heart disease
Previous heart attack or heart disease
Age (heart failure is more common in people over age 65)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure

Diagnosis of heart failure usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as:.

Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Cardiac MRI or CT scan
Blood tests

Treatment options for heart failure depend on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery in severe cases. Lifestyle changes can include:.

Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
Quitting smoking
Dietary changes, such as reducing salt intake
Regular exercise (under the guidance of a healthcare provider)

Medications commonly used for heart failure include:.

Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
Beta-blockers
Aldosterone antagonists
Digitalis

In severe cases, surgical options such as heart transplant or left ventricular assist devices may be considered.

Complications of Heart Failure

If left untreated, heart failure can lead to several complications that can severely impact your health and quality of life, such as:.

Edema (swelling) in the lungs or legs
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Kidney damage or failure
Liver damage
Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
Stroke

Prevention of Heart Failure

While heart failure can have multiple causes, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:.

Quit smoking
Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
Maintain a healthy weight and diet
Stay physically active
Limit alcohol intake

Conclusion

Heart failure is a serious condition that can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of heart failure and take steps to prevent it, such as managing chronic conditions and adopting a healthy lifestyle.