Known as congestive heart failure, heart failure occurs when the heart muscles do not pump blood as well as they should. Because of heart failure, the blood backs up and causes fluid build-up in the lungs. It results in shortness of breath. About six million people in the country experience heart failure and over 870000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. It can be fatal, so read to know more about it.

Symptoms of heart failure

Some common heart failure signs are:

Hard or bloated stomach

Nausea

Loss of appetite

Shortness of breath

Weight gain

Urge to pee while resting at night

Dry cough

Swelling in the abdomen, legs, and ankle

Fatigue

Leg weakness after physical activity

Irregular or rapid heartbeat

At times, the symptoms are mild, while other times, there may be no symptoms. However, it does not mean that you do not have heart failure. The heart failure symptoms go from mild to severe and may come and go. Unfortunately, the symptoms aggravate over time. With progression, more symptoms get added. Anytime you see newer signs, you must immediately inform your doctor.

Causes of heart failure

Several conditions might result in heart failure, such as:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the disease of the arteries that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. It reduces the blood flow to the heart muscle. When the arteries become narrow or are blocked, it deprives the heart of vital nutrients and oxygen, resulting in heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy involves damage to the heart muscles because of drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, or infections.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscles ceases. It is an outcome of coronary artery blockage and weakens the heart muscles. Consequently, there is a scarred area, which fails to work as well as it should.

Conditions that overwork the heart, such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, valve disease, heart defects present at birth, and kidney disease, can also result in heart failure. Further, the presence of multiple conditions together can also cause heart failure.

Diagnosis of heart failure

Following tests can help with diagnosis:

Physical examination
You will first undergo a physical examination to determine possible signs of heart failure. The health expert looks for signs like bulging neck veins, irregular heart rate, and leg swelling.

Echocardiogram
It is the most effective method of heart failure diagnosis, wherein sound waves are employed to create detailed pictures of the heart. The doctor utilizes these images to understand the present damage to the heart. It also helps determine the underlying cause of the condition.

In addition to an echocardiogram, you may have to undergo other tests. These include:

Chest X-ray that fetches the images of the heart and the surrounding organs

Nuclear scan wherein radioactive material is injected into the body to create images of the heart chambers

Heart MRI to get heart images, sans radiation

B-type natriuretic peptide blood test to assess the rise of the BNP hormone

Stress exam to check heart function. You will have to run on a treadmill or perform other physical exercises.

Holter monitoring to record 24-48 hour electrical activity of the heart.

Coronary angiogram or catheterization to check the degree of blood flowing through the heart

Treatment of heart failure

Unfortunately, there is no cure for heart failure, but the treatment can help relieve symptoms and curtail further damage. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s health, type and stage of heart failure, and presence of any other underlying conditions. Some major treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle changes can help prevent heart failure, such as avoiding salt, reducing caffeine intake, and modifications in fluid intake and the types of drinks you consume

Treatment
Some treatment can also help manage the disease. These include:

Vasodilators for expanding blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and better blood flow

Antiplatelets or Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots

Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety

Diuretics to avoid fluid retention

ACE inhibitors to better heart function and increase life expectancy

Digitalis glycosides strengthen the heart’s contractions

Beta-blockers to improve heart function

Aldosterone inhibitors to improve fluid retention

Surgery
Severe or advanced cases might need surgery to replace heart valves and bypass or open blocked arteries.

Heart transplant
When nothing else works, the doctor recommends a heart transplant.

Other treatments
Sleep apnea results in the brief collapse of the muscles, which carry oxygen to the lungs. It also aggravates the risk of heart failure. So, if sleep apnea puts you at risk of heart failure, measures to treat it will follow.

Heart failure can be fatal. So, do not postpone a doctor’s visit, and get help immediately if you or your loved one has been experiencing any of the listed symptoms.