Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. This can result from various underlying conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiomyopathy. When the heart’s pumping efficiency decreases, blood flow to vital organs is reduced, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, and persistent coughing or wheezing.
Heart failure can be classified into two main types: systolic heart failure, where the heart muscle cannot contract forcefully enough to pump blood, and diastolic heart failure, where the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot relax properly, preventing the chambers from filling with blood. Both types result in inadequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the body.
Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests to assess heart function and identify underlying causes. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. It includes lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and weight management, along with medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics. In severe cases, surgical interventions like coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair, or implantation of a heart failure device may be necessary. Effective management of heart failure requires a comprehensive, individualized approach to reduce complications and enhance overall well-being.
