Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a serious health condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient requirements. Heart failure is not a sudden event but a progressive disorder that often develops after other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or valvular abnormalities, weaken or damage the heart muscle.
In India, cases of heart failure are steadily rising due to changing lifestyles, increased stress, and the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. However, the good news is, with early detection and timely treatment, the progression of heart failure can be effectively controlled.
In this article, we will discuss heart failure in detail, including its common symptoms, complications, and when to seek medical help for effective management. Let’s begin by understanding what heart failure means.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure develops when the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to maintain adequate circulation. This inefficiency causes blood to back up into the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to swelling, breathlessness, and reduced stamina. Having said that, heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working; it simply means it is not pumping as efficiently as it should. Over time, the heart may become too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid build-up in the body.
Also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), this condition often develops as a result of other heart disorders such as coronary artery disease, long-standing high blood pressure, or damaged heart valves. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing gradually over time).
Many people confuse heart failure with a heart attack, but they are different. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked, whereas heart failure is a long-term condition that affects how well the heart pumps blood after it has been weakened or damaged.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
The symptoms of heart failure may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on how severe the condition is. Recognising these early warning signs can help in seeking timely medical attention and preventing further complications. Common symptoms of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath: Breathlessness during physical activity, while lying flat, or even at rest is one of the earliest and most common symptoms. It occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs due to poor heart function.
- Swelling in legs, ankles, and abdomen: Known as oedema, this results from fluid accumulation when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.
- Persistent fatigue and weakness: Reduced blood flow to the muscles and organs can cause constant tiredness, even with minimal exertion.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat: The heart often beats faster to compensate for its reduced pumping capacity, which may feel like fluttering or palpitations.
If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a cardiologist immediately to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure is often the result of conditions that weaken, damage, or overwork the heart over time. Identifying and managing these underlying causes is essential to slow disease progression and improve heart function. Major causes of heart failure include:
- Coronary artery disease: This is one of the most common causes of heart failure. Blockages in the arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to damage or scarring that weakens the heart’s ability to pump effectively.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Long-term uncontrolled blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, eventually causing the heart muscle to thicken, stiffen, or weaken.
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of coronary artery disease, which contributes to heart failure.
- Valvular heart diseases: When the heart valves are narrowed or leaky, the heart must exert extra effort to circulate blood, which over time can lead to heart muscle fatigue and failure.
Several other factors, such as previous heart attacks, thyroid disorders, or viral infections affecting the heart, may also increase the likelihood of developing heart failure.
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What are the Four Types of Heart Failure?
Heart failure can be categorised based on which side of the heart is affected and how the heart’s pumping or filling ability is compromised. Understanding these types helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment plan. The main types of heart failure include:
- Left-sided heart failure: This is the most common type. It occurs when the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) becomes weak or stiff and cannot pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. This leads to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, causing breathlessness and fatigue.
- Right-sided heart failure: This type develops when the right ventricle is unable to pump blood efficiently to the lungs. It often results from long-term left-sided heart failure and causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): CHF refers to a stage where fluid builds up in various parts of the body, lungs, liver, or limbs, due to poor circulation. It represents a more advanced form of heart failure that requires ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Systolic vs. diastolic heart failure: Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot contract strongly enough to pump blood out, while diastolic heart failure happens when the heart becomes too stiff to fill with enough blood between heart beats.
Risk Factors for Heart Failure
Certain lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and genetic factors can increase the risk of developing heart failure. Common risk factors for great failure include:
- Lifestyle-related factors: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor diet, and physical inactivity can strain the heart and contribute to long-term damage. Obesity also increases the workload on the heart, as the heart must pump more blood to supply the additional body mass, leading to higher blood pressure and a greater risk of heart failure.
- Family history and genetics: A family history of heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects can make some individuals more susceptible to developing heart failure.
- Other chronic conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disorders, thyroid imbalance, and sleep apnea can indirectly contribute to heart failure by affecting blood circulation and overall metabolic function.
Regular heart check-ups and early management of risk factors play a key role in preventing the progression of heart disease to heart failure.
Complications of Heart Failure
If left untreated, heart failure can lead to several complications that affect multiple organs and overall quality of life. These occur as the heart struggles to maintain proper circulation, resulting in fluid build-up and reduced oxygen delivery to vital tissues.
Major complications include:
- Kidney damage or failure: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can impair their ability to filter waste and balance fluids, sometimes leading to kidney failure that requires dialysis.
- Liver damage due to fluid build-up: Long-term congestion from heart failure can cause fluid accumulation around the liver, leading to scarring and impaired liver function.
- Stroke and arrhythmias: Poor heart function increases the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and blood clots, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Managing heart failure under medical supervision is essential to prevent these complications and maintain long-term health and stability.
How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
Early and accurate diagnosis of heart failure is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and assess its severity.
Common diagnostic methods include:
- Physical examination and medical history: The doctor checks for signs such as fluid retention, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and abnormal heart sounds. A detailed discussion about symptoms, lifestyle habits, and existing medical conditions helps identify risk factors.
- Echocardiogram and ECG: An echocardiogram (ECHO) provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and pumping efficiency, while an electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm abnormalities or previous damage.
- Blood tests and imaging: Blood tests such as BNP or NT-proBNP help detect elevated heart stress markers. Chest X-rays or cardiac MRI scans may also be used to evaluate the size, shape, and function of the heart.
Undergoing a detailed evaluation at the Best Cardiology (Heart Care) Hospital allows for timely diagnosis and customised treatment tailored to the specific cause and severity of the condition.
Heart Failure Treatment Options
The treatment of heart failure focuses on improving heart function, managing symptoms, and preventing further progression of the disease. Depending on the severity and cause, the treatment plan may include a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and advanced procedures.
Common treatment approaches include:
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe drugs such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce fluid retention. These medicines help relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, limiting salt intake, engaging in regular moderate exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can significantly improve quality of life. In addition, keeping a healthy weight and managing stress help reduce the heart’s workload and support better heart failure management.
- Surgical and device-based treatments: In advanced cases, procedures such as pacemaker implantation, valve repair, or heart transplantation may be recommended. Devices like the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) can help patients with severe heart failure maintain adequate circulation.
At Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon, patients receive comprehensive Heart Failure Treatment supported by advanced facilities and expert guidance from the Best Cardiologists (Heart Specialists) at the Best Cardiology Hospital in the region.
Get advanced heart failure treatment and cardiac care in Gurgaon with the best heart specialists
How to Prevent Heart Failure?
Heart failure is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and proper management of risk factors. Taking proactive steps to protect heart health can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing this condition, especially in individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Key preventive measures include:
- Heart-healthy diet and regular exercise: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day, helps maintain optimal heart function.
- Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol: Keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol within normal limits through regular check-ups and prescribed medications to prevent long-term heart strain.
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol can weaken the heart muscle and damage blood vessels. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are vital to reducing heart disease risk.
Preventive screenings and early lifestyle interventions at Artemis Hospitals, a leading Cardiology (Heart Care) Hospital in Gurgaon, can help individuals identify risks early and maintain long-term cardiovascular health.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Heart Failure Management?
At Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, comprehensive heart failure management combines advanced technology with expert medical care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Each patient receives an individualised treatment plan designed to address the root cause, manage symptoms, and prevent disease progression. Here’s why people choose Artemis Hospitals for heart failure management:
- Multidisciplinary heart specialists: A team of experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nutritionists, and rehabilitation experts work together to provide holistic care, from diagnosis to long-term follow-up.
- Advanced cardiology and cardiac surgery facilities: Equipped with modern diagnostic tools such as 3D echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and catheterisation labs, Artemis ensures accurate evaluation and effective treatment for all stages of heart failure.
- Personalised rehabilitation and long-term care: Cardiac rehabilitation at Artemis Hospitals focuses on helping patients rebuild strength, manage risk factors, and adopt heart-healthy habits. The team also provides ongoing encouragement, lifestyle counselling, and emotional support throughout recovery.
Book an Appointment Today
Early evaluation can make a significant difference in effectively managing heart failure. To book an appointment with a heart specialist at Artemis Hospitals, call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp +91 9800400498. Appointments can also be scheduled through the online patient portal or via the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available on both iOS and Android.
Article By Dr. DK Jhamb
Chief Cardiology (Unit IV)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a heart attack and heart failure?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a clot in the coronary arteries. Heart failure, on the other hand, is a chronic condition where the heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively after it has been damaged.
Is heart failure the same as congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, legs, or abdomen due to poor circulation. While all CHF is heart failure, not all heart failure cases progress to the congestive stage.
What are the early warning signs of heart failure?
Common early symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult the best Cardiologists in Gurgaon for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Can I live a long life with heart failure?
Yes. With proper medical management, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring, many patients live for years with stable heart function. Artemis Hospitals offers comprehensive Heart Failure Treatment programmes designed to improve survival and quality of life.
What are the four stages of congestive heart failure?
The stages range from A (high risk but no symptoms) to D (advanced symptoms requiring specialised treatments or transplant). Early intervention in stages A and B can prevent progression to severe disease.
Can high blood pressure or diabetes lead to heart failure?
Yes. Uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes strain the heart over time, leading to weakening of the heart muscle and eventual heart failure. Regular screening at the best Cardiology hospital in Gurgaon helps detect risks early and provide effective treatments.
Where can I find the best heart failure specialist near me?
Patients in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon can consult the best heart failure doctors at Artemis Hospitals for expert diagnosis, medical management, and rehabilitation support.
Is cardiac rehabilitation available at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon?
Yes. Artemis Hospitals offers structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes led by cardiologists and physiotherapists to help patients regain strength, improve heart function, and prevent future complications.
