Heart Failure Symptoms - An Overview

Introduction

Heart failure is a life-threatening condition. The heart does not pump an efficient amount of blood to the rest of the body, including the brain. Even though the name suggests that the heart is failing or the heart is not working, heart failure or congestive heart failure refers to the weakness of the heart to contract adequately. An underlying mechanical problem in the heart results in the heart not being able to meet the body's demands. The heart tries its best by beating faster or contracting more rapidly and, in assembling the bodily needs, turns very weak. Due to this weakening of the heart, the blood returns to the heart more quickly than pumping the blood. Hence, the blood in the heart gets congested or backed up, or accumulated. When this happens, vital organs of the body, including the brain, are devoid of blood and oxygen, resulting in inevitable organ failure or organ damage.

What Are the Causes of Heart Failure?

There is a risk of cardiovascular changes as one grows older. Several medical diseases lead to congestive heart failure. Below mentioned are some of them.

• Coronary artery disease (a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, often resulting in chest pain, heart attack, or other cardiac complications).

• Cardiomyopathy (a group of diseases that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and potential risks of sudden cardiac death).

• Congenital heart disease or heart disease at birth.

• High blood pressure is called hypertension.

• Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm.

• Heart attack.

• Kidney disorders.

• Obesity and being overweight.

• Excess use of tobacco and tobacco-related products.

• Chemotherapy.

• Recreational drugs and certain medications.

• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

• High levels of cholesterol.

• Family history of congestive heart failure.

• Smoking.

• Excessive intake of alcohol.

• Radiation therapy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure?

The heart is divided into four chambers. The two upper chambers are called the left and right atrium. The two lower chambers are called the left and right ventricles. There are multiple possible clinical manifestations experienced by patients suffering from heart failure, such as:

• Shortness of breath.

• Fatigue.

• Weakness in legs.

• Swelling of the ankles and feet.

• Weight gain.

• Increased urinary output.

• Dry cough.

• Bloating.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea.

• Hard abdomen.

• Decreased ability to perform exercises.

• Swelling of the stomach.

• Difficulty in thinking.

• Confusion.

• Memory loss.

• Disoriented feeling.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea.

• Generalized tiredness.

• Abnormally large neck veins.

• Sleep apnea.

• Excessive sweating.

• Anxiety.

• Nervousness.

• Tremors.

• Pale skin.

• Chest pain while climbing stairs.

• Bluish discoloration of the lips and nails.

What Are the Types of Heart Failure?

Heart failure is of four main types; left-sided heart failure, right-sided heart failure, diastolic heart failure, and systolic heart failure.

• Left-sided heart failure is one of the most common kinds of heart failure. The reason being. The left lower ventricle is responsible for pumping blood, which is the area rich in oxygenated blood. It is the part of the heart that does the most strenuous work.

• Right-sided heart failure is generally a result of left-sided heart failure. The primary function of the right side of the heart is to send blood to the lungs. When the left side fails, it can pose excessive pressure on the right side of the heart, thus leading it to fail.

• Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscles become very stiff and do not help in blood's smooth flow. This is most common in females.

• Systolic heart failure is when the heart loses all the energy to contract because of weak heart muscles. This condition is more common in males. A patient can have all four types of heart failure at once.

How to Prevent Heart Failure?

By avoiding the conditions and situations that lead to heart failure, one can easily keep heart failure at bay. Smoking should be stopped entirely in patients with any cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet should include less cholesterol and saturated fat, green leafy vegetables, and fresh, colorful fruits. Good fats such as fatty fish and olive oil can also be supplemented. Bringing down the body mass index to normal levels helps greatly. Being physically active keeps the heart working as efficiently as necessary. Any underlying cardiovascular condition should be monitored regularly by punctual visits to the healthcare provider and administering prescribed drugs at the correct times.

How to Treat Heart Failure?

There is no specific treatment for heart failure. The main aim of managing this condition is to relieve the patient from the clinical signs and symptoms experienced. This will slow down the underlying damage. The authentic line of treatment is decided by multidisciplinary doctors and depends strongly on the stage and cause of congestive heart failure. Some of the treatment modalities and management plans are mentioned below.

• Prevention is better than cure. Prevent an unhealthy lifestyle and stick to a heart-smart lifestyle to avoid an episode of congestive heart failure or any other cardiovascular disease.

• Medications such as vasodilators can be prescribed.

• Diuretics help in fluid retention in the body.

• Aldosterone inhibitors improve the life of the heart by enhancing heart functioning.

• Digitalis glycosides strengthen the muscles of the heart.

• Tranquilizers help in reducing anxiety in cardiovascular patients.

• Bypass surgery may be required in case the coronary arteries are heavily blocked.

• Heart valve replacement can also be suggested if there is extended damage to the heart vessels.

• Patients with congestive heart failure are ideal candidates for placement in a pacemaker.

• Implantable loop recorder.

• The last resort to treat congestive heart failure is a heart transplant which has a success rate of approximately 75 % to 89 %.

Conclusion

Heart failure is when the heart turns weak because it cannot meet the demands of the body. This condition can be avoided by leading a heart-healthy diet and indulging in a heart-smart lifestyle. With proper care and treatment modalities, congestive heart disease will not stop a patient from living everyday life. Patients must regularly follow up with the cardiologist post-treatment. Being active and taking medications on time is the key to returning to ordinary life.