Heart Failure Treatment

What Is Heart Failure? 

Heart failure, also referred to as HF, occurs when the heart muscle is not pumping blood, as it should. The body is dependent on the heart’s pumping mechanism that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the cells of the body. In case of heart failure, the weakened heart muscle is unable to supply enough blood to the rest of the body. Proper treatment can help improve the symptoms of heart failure and help some people live longer. In fact, lifestyle changes can help improve the quality of life. However, heart failure can sometimes be life threatening. Some people with heart failure may experience severe symptoms and need a device or heart transplant to help the heart pump blood.

Types of Heart Failure

Generally, cardiac failure begins in the lower left heart chamber or left ventricle. However, heart failure can also affect the lower right heart chamber of the heart, referred to as the right ventricle. In some cases, heart failure can have an impact on both sides of the heart.

Heart Failure Symptoms

The symptoms of heart failure may become noticeable slowly, however in some cases, the heart failure symptoms begin suddenly. Cardiac failure symptoms can be:

• Breathlessness 

• Fatigue

• Swelling in the legs and feet

• Irregular heartbeat

• Reduced ability to exercise

• A cough that doesn’t go away

• A cough that brings up white or pinkish mucus with blood spots

• Wheezing

• Swelling in the belly area

• Rapid weight gain due to fluid build-up

• Decreased alertness or difficulty concentrating

• Pain in the chest if heart failure is caused by a heart attack.

Heart Failure Causes

Heart failure can be caused by weakened, stiff or damaged heart muscle.

If the heart is damaged or weakened, the heart chambers may stretch and grow in size. In this case, the heart is unable to pump enough blood.

If the main pumping heart chamber or ventricles are stiff and are unable to fill with enough blood between beats.

Damage to the heart is also caused by infections like heavy alcohol use, drug use, and some chemotherapy medicines. Genetic factors and inheritance can also play a role. 

Conditions 

Any one of the following conditions can also cause heart failure:

• Coronary artery disease and heart attack: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart failure. CAD results from the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, reducing the blood flow and leading to heart attack.
  
  

• High blood pressure: Hypertension makes the heart work harder than normal to pump blood. With time, the extra work makes the heart muscle either stiff or weak to pump blood properly.
  
  

• Heart valve disease: The heart valves ensure that the blood flows in the right direction. If the valve isn’t functioning properly, the heart must work harder to pump blood, weakening the heart over time.
  
  

• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle): A virus commonly causes Myocarditis, including the COVID-19 virus, leading to left-sided heart failure.
  
  

• Congenital heart defect (a heart problem present since birth): If the heart and its valves or chambers haven’t formed correctly, other parts of the heart have to work extensively to pump blood. This may cause cardiac failure.
  
  

• Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm): Irregular heart rhythm causes the heart to beat rapidly which may lead to heart failure.
  
  

• Other conditions: Some long-term health conditions can also contribute to chronic heart failure. Examples are an underactive or overactive thyroid, diabetes, HIV infection, or a buildup of protein or iron.

Sudden Heart Failure Causes

Heart failure that occurs suddenly may be due to the following causes:

• Allergic reactions

• A condition that affects the whole body

• Blood clots in the lungs

• Severe infections

• Use of certain medications

• Viruses that target the heart muscle.

Heart Failure Complications

In case of cardiac failure, it is significant to have regular heart checkups, even if the symptoms improve. This allows for timely detection of complications. Heart failure complications vary based on overall health, age and severity of the disease. They can be:

• Liver damage: Heart failure can cause fluid build-up putting too much pressure on the liver. This backing up of fluid can cause scarring in the liver.
  
  

• Kidney damage or failure: Heart failure causes reduced blood flow to the kidneys. If left untreated, there is a greater risk of kidney failure.
  
  

• Other heart-related problems: Heart failure can cause changes in the heart’s size and function. These changes can lead to damaged heart valves and irregular heartbeat.

Heart Failure Prevention

Heart failure can be prevented by treating and controlling the conditions that cause it. Some lifestyle changes that can help manage and prevent heart failure include:

• Quit smoking

• Maintain a consistent exercise routine

• Eat a balanced diet

• Work to maintain a healthy weight

• Manage stress

• Take medicines as prescribed.

FAQs

Can you survive heart failure?

More than half of the people diagnosed with congestive heart failure survive for five years after diagnosis. In some cases, it is possible to extend the life expectancy through medications, lifestyle changes and surgery.

Can heart failure be treated?

Though there is no cure for heart failure, appropriate and timely treatment can help a person live longer and lead a more active life with fewer symptoms. Treatment varies based on the type of heart failure and its severity.

What is the final stage of heart failure?

Advanced heart failure, also called end-stage heart failure, is the final and most severe stage of heart failure. Several treatments are available to help stabilise and in some cases, reverse heart failure at this stage.

Can you fully recover from heart failure?

Cardiac failure is a serious condition and progresses over time. Even after the heart muscle has been damaged, several treatments can help relieve symptoms or slow the progression.

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