Heart Failure
Description
Heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. This can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. It often develops after other heart problems, such as a heart attack or high blood pressure. It’s a serious condition that needs ongoing medical care to manage symptoms and reduce risks. With regular follow-up with a healthcare professional, many people can maintain a good quality of life. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, please talk with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying flat
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen
- Persistent coughing or wheezing with white or pink-tinged phlegm
- Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Increased need to urinate at night (nocturia)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice
Causes
Heart failure is when the heart isn’t able to pump blood as well as it should.
Common causes include coronary artery disease and prior heart attacks that weaken the heart muscle.
Long-standing high blood pressure and certain heart valve diseases can also lead to heart failure.
Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, smoking, older age, and family history, plus heavy alcohol use.
Sleep apnea, kidney disease, certain infections of the heart, and exposure to some drugs or toxins can contribute.
If you’re concerned about your risk or symptoms, talk with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Treatment Options
Heart failure treatment commonly combines lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes procedures to reduce symptoms and improve daily life.
Lifestyle approaches often include limiting salt and fluid intake, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active as advised, avoiding tobacco, and staying up to date with vaccines.
Medications used aim to improve heart function and reduce fluid buildup, including categories like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists; newer therapies may be considered depending on the situation.
Procedures and devices may involve implanted rhythm devices, valve interventions, and, in advanced cases, therapies such as ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation, plus options for coronary revascularization when appropriate.
Ongoing follow-up with a healthcare team is essential for monitoring symptoms, labs, and imaging; consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance and decision-making.