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Left-Sided Heart Failure
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Right-Sided Heart Failure
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Symptoms of Heart Failure
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Heart Failure Symptoms in Infants and Children
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End-Stage Heart Failure Symptoms
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Treatment for Heart Failure
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Frequently Asked Questions
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs for oxygen and nutrients. This condition often results from weakened heart muscles or the heart chambers failing to pump adequately. As a result, organs and tissues throughout the body may not receive sufficient blood flow.
There are two main types of heart failure:
Left-Sided Heart Failure
Also known as left ventricular failure, this occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the body. This can cause blood to back up into the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation.
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Also called right ventricular failure, this type occurs when the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood to the lungs. As a result, fluid may build up in the legs, ankles, and abdomen (edema).
Symptoms include:
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- Abdominal bloating
- Fatigue
Symptoms of Heart Failure
The symptoms of heart failure usually arise from the heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Fluid accumulation in the lungs makes breathing difficult, especially when lying down or sleeping. This condition is known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
Cough
Persistent coughing, often worse at night, may occur due to fluid buildup in the lungs caused by the heart's inability to pump efficiently.
Rapid Heartbeat (Palpitations)
The heart may beat faster in an attempt to compensate for inadequate blood flow. This increased heart rate is the body’s effort to supply oxygen to the tissues.
Fatigue
Insufficient oxygen delivery to the muscles and organs leads to feelings of tiredness, weakness, and reduced physical endurance.
Chest Pain
Reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle can cause chest discomfort or pain, which may range from mild pressure to severe pain.
Edema (Swelling)
Fluid retention, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet, can occur due to the kidneys retaining sodium and water as the heart struggles to maintain proper circulation.
Liver Enlargement
Right-sided heart failure may cause blood to back up into the liver, leading to liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Coldness and Discoloration in the Feet
Reduced circulation may cause the feet and legs to feel cold and appear bluish or purplish.
Heart Failure Symptoms in Infants and Children
In infants and children, heart failure may result from congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, chronic lung conditions, or exposure to toxins or certain medications.
Common symptoms in infants and children include:
- Rapid or deep breathing
- Increased coughing, especially at night
- Fatigue during routine activities
- Poor weight gain
- Chest retractions or flaring of the nostrils while breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Pale or bluish skin discoloration
- Weight loss
End-Stage Heart Failure Symptoms
In advanced stages, heart failure symptoms become more severe and may signal the need for immediate medical attention:
- Severe shortness of breath, even at rest
- Extreme fatigue, even after rest
- Persistent and widespread edema (swelling in hands, ankles, legs, and abdomen)
- Abdominal bloating due to fluid retention
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
- Profuse sweating, especially at night
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion due to reduced oxygen supply
- Irregular heart rhythms, dizziness, or fainting
Treatment for Heart Failure
The treatment of heart failure depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and the patient's overall health. The main goals of treatment are to improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and enhance quality of life.
1. Medications
Commonly prescribed medications for heart failure include:
- ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): Help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, easing the heart’s workload.
- ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Function similarly to ACE inhibitors, lowering the strain on the heart.
- Beta-Blockers: Slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, improving heart efficiency.
- Diuretics: Help eliminate excess fluid from the body, reducing swelling and easing breathing.
- Aldosterone Antagonists: Prevent the retention of sodium and fluid.
- Digoxin: Supports stronger heart contractions but is used less frequently due to potential side effects.
2. Lifestyle Modifications
- Dietary changes: Limiting salt intake, managing fluid consumption, and following a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity under medical supervision can improve heart function.
- Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart.
- Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption: These habits significantly improve heart health.
3. Medical Devices and Surgical Treatments
In some cases, medications alone may not be sufficient, and device implantation or surgery may be required:
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Uses a pacemaker to improve the coordination of heartbeats.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac arrest by correcting abnormal heart rhythms.
- Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD): Mechanical pumps that support the heart's pumping function.
- Heart Transplantation: Considered as a last-resort option in advanced heart failure when other treatments are ineffective.
4. Additional Treatment Options
- Fluid management: Monitoring and limiting fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- Oxygen therapy: May be recommended for patients with low oxygen levels.
5. Supportive Care
- Psychological support: Counseling and emotional support may be beneficial as heart failure can impact quality of life and mental health.
- Regular follow-ups: Continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition and medication adjustments are critical for effective management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of Heart Valve Insufficiency?
Heart valve insufficiency occurs when the heart valves do not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward between the heart chambers. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure and What Are Its Symptoms?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened, often affecting both sides of the heart. Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat.
What Are the Signs of Imminent Death in Heart Failure Patients?
In end-stage heart failure, warning signs may include severe shortness of breath, fainting, loss of consciousness, extremely fast or irregular heart rhythms, pale or bluish skin discoloration, and rapid deterioration of general health. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
