Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a situation that occurs when the heart muscle has turned into too weak to pump blood through the body as efficiently as normal or when the heart is not capable to relax and fill under normal pressure. This may reason blood to ‘dam up’ behind the heart and fluid to collect in the lungs and other body tissues (oedema), and also may result in inadequate delivery of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Symptoms

Regular symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and ankles or belly, weight gain, tiredness, loss of appetite and a reduction in capability to exercise.

Causes of Heart Failure

There are many different reason of heart failure but the most general include coronary artery disease, earlier heart attack, long-term high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiomyopathy .

Diagnosis

There are a number of tests that your doctor can do to diagnose chronic heart failure.

Echocardiogram

This test uses ultrasound waves that come from a tiny hand piece placed on your chest wall. This allows your heart to be directly visualized as it beats and an exact assessment can be made on its structure and function.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a reading of your heart’s electrical impulses taken from electrical leads placed on your chest and limbs. It may show up past or recent injury to your heart muscle and also straight determines the rhythm of your heart.

Treatment

There are many different types of medicines used to treat heart failure or chronic heart failure. They work in different ways to limit further injury, get better function and assist in recovery of the heart muscle.  It is significant that you take all the medicines prescribed by your doctor as they have been proven to decrease symptoms and improve long term prognosis. If you think your medicine is not working, is causing you problems or you having any questions, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor first. Along with seeing your doctor regularly and taking your medicines as prescribed, lifestyle choices are very significant in helping you manage heart failure.