Heart Failure

Although the term heart failure sounds as if the heart has stopped working completely, heart failure actually means the heart is not pumping as effectively as it should. As a result, the body does not receive as much blood and oxygen as it needs. The right side, left side or both sides of the heart can be affected.

Heart failure is usually a chronic, long-term condition that develops over a period years. Heart failure is most often caused by an underlying heart problem that damages and weakens the heart, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or a heart attack. The heart gradually loses its pumping ability and works less efficiently. At first, the body compensates for the loss in pumping capacity. The heart becomes enlarged and pumps faster to move more blood through the body. Eventually, the heart can’t make up for the lost ability to pump blood and the signs of heart failure emerge.

As heart failure progresses, blood can back up into the lungs, liver and extremities, causing fluid buildup (at which point it is considered congestive heart failure). Organs and tissues begin to suffer from not getting adequate blood and oxygen. This leads to symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, chest pain, abdominal bloating and swelling of the legs and ankles. Persistent coughing can also develop, along with wheezing.

Heart failure can be diagnosed through a variety of methods, including a physical exam, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, nuclear heat scan, and blood tests.

There is no known cure for heart failure. This condition must be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional. Symptoms can be managed though diet and lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure levels, losing excess weight and adopting a heart-healthy diet (including reduced salt intake) are important to control heart failure and avoid complications. In addition, mild amounts of exercise can be beneficial, although this should be done only under a doctor’s supervision.

Medication is also an important tool in managing heart failure. ACE inhibitors can improve the pumping action of the heart. Digitalis can aid in improved circulation by increasing the force of heart’s contractions. Diuretics, also known as water pills, reduce the heart’s workload and decrease the fluid buildup in the body.

Surgery is rarely used to treat heart failure, although it may be used to correct the underlying problem, such as a blocked coronary artery or defective heart valve. Some heart failure patients may benefit from cardiac resynchronization. This device is an implantable pacemaker that improves the heart’s pumping performance by delivering electrical impulses to make the heart’s pumping chambers work together. In severe, life-threatening cases of heart failure that don’t respond to other available treatments, a heart transplant may be the only option.