Published on Sep 23, 2016 and last reviewed on Mar 08, 2023 - 7 min read
Abstract
The inability of the heart to pump blood is heart failure. Please read the article to know why and how it happens and how doctors manage it.
Every organ of our body needs the energy to work. This energy is provided by our food and the oxygen we inhale. Food and oxygen are carried to every organ through a medium called blood.
The heart is an organ that pumps blood to the whole of our body, including the brain, lungs, intestines, kidneys, muscles, skin, and itself. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen that are used by these organs to survive.
There are two sides of the heart, which work independently. The left side pumps blood to the whole body through channels called arteries. After providing nutrients and oxygen to organs, this blood returns to the heart's right side through channels called veins. The right side pumps blood to the lungs to get oxygen; after taking oxygen, blood returns to the heart's left side, and the cycle repeats.
Due to any cause, if the heart's muscles become weak, the heart cannot pump blood to the whole body or lungs properly, and the requirements of the body and organs are not met. This condition is called heart failure.
1. Left Heart Failure:
If the left side of the heart fails, blood cannot be pumped forward to the body. It pools up in the heart, exerts a backward pressure to the lungs, and blood accumulates in the vessels of the lungs. This increases the pressure of lung vessels, and fluid leaks from vessels and pools outside the vessels. This causes the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and frothy secretions on coughing.
2. Right Heart Failure:
In the same way, if the right side of the heart fails, it cannot pump blood to the lungs, and blood pools up in backward vessels in the limbs and other organs. When pressure increases, it causes fluid to leak out of vessels, and thus it causes swelling of legs, swelling of internal organs such as liver, intestines, etc.
3. Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction:
In this type, there is a problem with the left ventricle's relaxation, resulting in incomplete filling of the left ventricle.
4. Systolic Heart Failure:
A problem with pumping in the left ventricle due to inadequate contraction of the left ventricle is called systolic heart failure. It is also known by the name heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
The most important and common cause of the weakness of the heart is when the heart itself cannot get enough blood, as in the case of a heart attack.
Other causes include any leakage of heart valves or blockage. Sometimes, this condition runs in families; children may get it if parents or relatives have it. It may also be due to any defect in the development of the heart in the womb and thus present since birth; it may manifest soon after birth or later. These are congenital heart defects.
Inflammation of the heart due to infection with a virus is called myocarditis, resulting in left-sided heart failure.
Increased blood pressure also poses a problem. When there is a raised pressure, the exertion of the heart also increases, meaning that your heart has to pump harder. Thereby leading to stiffening or weakening of heart muscles.
An irregularity in the heart rhythm (arrhythmia) can bring about extra work for your heart, thus resulting in heart failure.
Damage in the heart valves causes the heart to work harder and might end up in heart failure. An infection to the heart, coronary artery disease, and a defective valve can damage a heart valve.
Certain chronic medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), or the build-up of protein or iron can cause heart failure.
In addition to this, allergic reactions, intake of certain drugs, and blood clots in the lungs can also cause heart failure, but this type of heart failure is acute in onset.
Weakness.
Shortness of breath with exertion or at rest.
Nausea.
Appetite loss.
Irregular heart rate.
Swelling involving the lower extremities.
Abdominal swelling.
Persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by a white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
Difficulty concentrating.
Doing exercises becomes difficult.
When caused by a heart attack, chest pain is seen in heart failure.
Cardiac arrhythmia.
Diabetes.
Obesity.
Smoking.
Hypertension.
Coronary artery disease.
Sleep apnea.
Certain drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anesthetics, antihypertensive drugs, and drugs used to treat inflammatory diseases, mental health disorders, blood disorders, nervous dysfunctions, infections, cancer, etc.
Alcoholism.
Valvular heart diseases.
Heart attack.
Congenital heart defects.
Viral infection.
1. Medical History:
The medical history of the patient aids in determining the causes. Therefore a complete medical history is taken.
2. Physical Examination:
The build-up of fluid in the lungs or heart murmurs can be identified by physically examining the patient with the help of a stethoscope. Also, swelling in the legs and abdomen are checked.
3. Blood Examination:
It helps in identifying the underlying cause of heart failure.
4. Echocardiogram:
With sound waves, the heart and heart valves are checked for their size and structure, and blood flow within the heart is checked.
5. Electrocardiogram:
This test displays the length and timing of the heartbeat to look for any abnormality by recording the heart's electrical signals.
6. Cardiac CT Scan:
In a cardiac computerized tomography scan, the picture of the heart and chest is obtained that helps in diagnosis.
7. Stress Test:
It is also called the treadmill test. In this test, the patient is asked to walk on a treadmill, and the heartbeats are simultaneously recorded with an ECG.
8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
It is an imaging test that produces a picture of the heart to help in diagnosis.
9. Myocardial Biopsy:
To diagnose heart failure caused by any heart muscle disease, a small tissue of the heart muscle is removed. The tissue is removed by inserting a small cord into the vein.
10. Coronary Angiogram:
Any blockage in the coronary arteries supplying the heart is identified with a coronary angiogram by inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin.
A. Symptomatic Treatment:
Gravity exerts a detrimental effect, so doctors advise keeping affected organs propped up.
Lying straight on the bed will cause increased blood pooling in the lungs, and symptoms will worsen. Legs hanging down will also cause increased swelling in case of right heart failure. So, lying at 45 degrees and keeping legs above the heart level will decrease symptoms.
Moreover, doctors give some oral or IV medicines that cause increased urination, and negative water balance occurs in the body. The fluid leaks outside the vessels, moves inside and gets excreted in the urine.
Salt increases the osmolality of body fluids; thus, the body retains more water instead of excreting it into the urine. So, doctors advise decreasing liquid and salt intake.
B. Medical Treatment:
The following list of medications are used in the treatment of heart failure:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors like Captopril, Enalapril, and Lisinopril.
Beta-blockers like Metoprolol, Carvedilol, and Bisoprolol.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers like Losartan, Candesartan, and Valsartan.
Aldosterone antagonists like Eplerenone and Spironolactone.
Diuretics like Furosemide.
Digoxin.
Combination of Hydralazine and Isosorbide dinitrate.
Positive inotropes.
Vericiguat.
Blood thinners can be given to reduce cholesterol levels.
C. Surgical Treatment:
1. Coronary Bypass Surgery:
When there is a blockage in several arteries, coronary artery bypass surgery is recommended. A blood vessel from the arms, legs, or chest is taken and is connected above and below the blocked part of the artery. This helps in bypassing the blockage.
2. Repair or Replacement of Heart Valves:
A defect in the heart valves can either be repaired or replaced. It can be done through cardiac catheterization or open-heart surgery.
3. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy:
When there is a non-coordination between the ventricles in pumping, a biventricular pacemaker is placed to correct it in a procedure called biventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy.
In addition, ventricular assistive devices and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are also used to treat heart failure.
When all other treatment modalities fail, then a heart replacement is recommended.
The following are the complications of heart failure:
Renal failure.
Problems with heart rhythm.
Improper working of heart valves.
Damage to the liver.
Preventing risk factors plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing heart failure. Below are the preventive measures that can be followed to prevent heart failure:
Avoid smoking.
Only take medications that your physician prescribes.
Be physically active.
Avoid alcohol.
Reduce stress.
Maintain healthy body weight.
Eat a nutritious and healthy diet.
Keep your blood pressure and blood glucose level in control.
Conclusion:
Heart failure can be fatal if not appropriately managed and intensively. Severe patients may need admission in a ward or ICU (intensive care unit) for mechanical ventilation. However, heart failure can be managed effectively when prompt treatment is sought. Also, following the preventive measures can help reduce the chance of developing heart failure.
The two most common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease (CAD), which narrows the arteries responsible for the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart, and high blood pressure. In pre-diagnosed individuals, it is crucial to manage these conditions carefully and promptly to prevent the onset of heart failure.
The first-line treatment for heart failure involves medications, but some people may require surgery. The medicines include ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. ACE inhibitors, such as Ramipril, and Captopril, work by relaxing and opening the blood vessels to enable the heart to pump blood efficiently and effectively. Beta-blockers, such as Bisoprolol, work by slowing down the heart and protecting it from the effects of “fight or flight” hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) produced by the body.
Heart failure is a chronic or long-standing condition with no permanent cure. Still, the treatment involves managing the presenting symptoms with the help of lifestyle modifications, medications, implantable devices in the chest to control the heart rhythm, and, lastly, surgery.
Heart failure can be prevented by carefully managing and avoiding the factors contributing to the risk of heart failure, such as avoiding smoking, eating heart-healthy foods with little to no trans and saturated fats, sugar, or sodium, doing physical activities to help reduce the extra pounds when overweight, and adhering to the existing therapy in the presence of already existing heart problem.
The primary treatment for heart failure involves medications, and the latest advances in these drugs include two new drugs–Sacubitril/Valsartan and Ivabradine. These drugs have shown reduced hospitalization and deaths due to heart failure.
Chronic stress can also contribute to heart diseases, including high blood pressure and heart failure. If the stress is not managed correctly or handled poorly by indulging in unhealthy ways such as smoking, not exercising, and overeating, it can worsen the condition.
Heart failure can occur at any age and affect both men and women. But it can happen earlier in men than in women, and the chances of developing heart failure are high in elderly people.
The most common causes of heart failure in older adults are coronary artery disease and hypertension, with an increasing role of valvular heart disease. Non-compliance to the diet and prescribed medications are the most common precipitants of pre-existing heart failure. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs most likely aggravate the condition.
Deep breathing exercises help oxygenate the body's muscles and make the heart work slightly harder, which is beneficial for the heart. In addition, such kind of exercises helps to stimulate the vagus nerve, which lowers the “fight or flight” response that is responsible for causing tension or anxiety. Breathing exercises also help to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
The signs of heart failure in older adults are similar to those in any age group. They include shortness of breath and trouble breathing, rapid or irregular heartbeat, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and persistent cough.
Doctors suggest a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week, particularly for heart patients. It can involve walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, and jumping rope. However, they are asked to avoid any kind of isometric exercises, which include situps and pushups. Also, exercising must be avoided outdoors, especially during extreme weather (hot, cold, or humid), as it can interfere with blood circulation and cause chest pain.
You can strengthen your heart by exercising regularly, eating heart-healthy foods such as salmon, avocados, broccoli, and guacamole, quitting smoking, losing extra pounds, and managing stress.
Typically, the heart rate should not be more than 100 beats per minute in a relaxed and sitting-down position. However, tachycardia is a condition in which the heart rate increases by more than 100 beats per minute, and this is when you must visit the emergency department and get yourself checked.
Last reviewed at:
08 Mar 2023 - 7 min read
RATING
Cardiology
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Can my cough with phlegm and itching in the throat due to cancer as I was using cocaine?
Query: Hi doctor,I used cocaine for six months but for four months, I have coughs and phlegm especially in the morning. I never had throat pain. It just feels itchy. I saw a doctor who gave me allergy spray with Cortizon but I took it for just one month. I keep drinking alcohol and cold drinks which makes ... Read Full »
My cough lasted only for a week and the doctor says it is tuberculosis.Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, There is parenchymal infiltrate on the right upper lobe of my lung. My doctor said that I have a ptb3, which looks like a serious stage of tuberculosis. I was shocked because I never had a cough since September. Before the month of September, my cough lasted only for a week and then su... Read Full »
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Heart Failure or Shortness Of Breath?
Ask a Doctor Online