Heart failure

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This can cause symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, and irregular heart rhythms. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle management, many people with heart failure can lead active, fulfilling lives while controlling their symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.

It can develop gradually or suddenly, and may result from:

• Heart attack or coronary artery disease

• High blood pressure

• Heart valve problems

• Heart muscle disease or stiffness (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction)

• Diabetes or other medical conditions

  
  

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary but often include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down

• Fatigue and weakness

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat, sometimes due to atrial fibrillation

• Trouble sleeping, reduced appetite, or frequent urination at night

  
  

Why It Happens

When the heart is weak or stiff, blood can back up into the lungs or other parts of the body, causing breathlessness and fluid buildup. Over time, the heart’s reduced pumping ability can trigger irregular heart rhythms and worsen symptoms.

Diagnosis

Heart failure is diagnosed through:

• Physical examination and review of symptoms

• Blood tests to check for underlying causes

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm

• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function

• Stress or breathing tests to rule out other conditions

• Advanced imaging (e.g. cardiac MRI scans) to evaluate for heart muscle disorders, presence of scar, reduction of blood flow

Treatment Options

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications:

Medications:

• Improve heart function, reduce fluid buildup, and control blood pressure

• Examples include diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors

  
  

Implantable Devices:

• ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator): Prevents life-threatening heart rhythms

• Biventricular Pacemaker (Resynchronisation Therapy): Helps the heart pump more efficiently

  
  

Procedures and Surgery:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery

• Valve repair or replacement

• Minimally invasive procedures such as percutaneous valve interventions

  
  

Living with Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition, but many people manage it successfully. Key steps include:

• Following your treatment plan and taking medications as prescribed

• Attending regular follow-ups and cardiac rehabilitation

• Adopting heart-healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol

  
  

With proper care and monitoring, it is possible to maintain an active and fulfilling life while managing symptoms effectively.