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Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

  • Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs.
  • The heart becomes weak or stiff.
  • Blood flow slows down.
  • Fluid may build up in lungs and body.
  • It does not mean the heart has stopped, but that it works less effectively.

Causes of Heart Failure

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart valve disease
  • Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Congenital heart defects

Types of Heart Failure

  • Left-sided Heart Failure
    • Most common type
    • Fluid builds up in lungs
    • Causes shortness of breath
  • Right-sided Heart Failure
    • Fluid buildup in legs, feet, and abdomen
  • Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
    • Heart cannot pump strongly
  • Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
    • Heart becomes stiff and cannot fill properly

Symptoms of Heart Failure

  • Shortness of breath (especially lying down)
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Persistent cough or wheezing
  • Weight gain due to fluid retention
  • Reduced ability to exercise

Diagnosis of Heart Failure

  • Physical examination
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Echocardiogram
  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Cardiac imaging tests

Treatment of Heart Failure

  • Medications
    • ACE inhibitors / ARBs
    • Beta-blockers
    • Diuretics (remove excess fluid)
    • Other heart-support medicines
  • Devices & Procedures
    • Pacemaker or ICD
    • Ventricular assist devices
    • Heart transplant (severe cases)
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