What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition that develops when the heart's muscle becomes
weakened after it is injured from something like a heart attack or blood
pressure, and loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body's needs.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of heart failure?
There is an acronym to help you remember the symptoms of heart failure: FACES
F for fatigue
A for activities limited
C for chest congestion
E for edema or ankle swelling
S for shortness of breath
How is heart failure detected?
The most common method of diagnosing cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart
muscle) is an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a chest x-ray. An EKG is a test that
measures the electrical activity of your heart. A chest x-ray takes a picture of
your heart to examine its configuration and size. Other imaging tests that may
be ordered are as follows:
- Echocardiogram (or "echo") determines if a portion of the heart muscle is not
pumping, if the heart valves are leaking, or if there is a hole in the heart.
- Blood Tests assess kidney and thyroid function, check cholesterol and check
for anemia.
What are the treatment options for heart failure?
People suffering from heart failure can almost always be helped by a combination
of changes in lifestyle and medication. Your doctor will select the most
appropriate treatment for you.
Medications
Depending on the type and severity of your heart failure, your doctor may use
the following medications:
- Diuretics or "water pills" decrease fluid retention and reduce swelling.
- Digoxin improves heart strength in some people.
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors dilate or widen blood vessels,
increase blood flow, and block hormones harmful to the heart and blood vessels.
- Adrenergic Receptive Blockers (Beta Blockers) help strengthen the heart's
pumping action and block the body's response to substances which can damage the
heart.
- Aldosterone Receptor Blockers (ARBs) reduce scarring and stiffening of the
heart and blood vessels.
Surgery
Heart failure is a progressive disease that can worsen over time without
treatment. Sometimes, surgical intervention helps. Some surgeries involve
removal of damaged heart muscle, repair of damaged valves, or surgery to correct
blocked arteries. In extreme cases, heart transplantation may be necessary,
whereby surgeons remove your damaged heart and replace it with a human heart
from an organ donor.
Pacemaker Therapy
Some types of heart failure can be improved by pacemakers. Pacemakers enhance
the timing and vigor of the way the heart beats. Some can correct deadly
arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) which are more common in heart failure. These
and other devices are being used more commonly in the treatment of heart
failure. For more information, read our
Electrophysiology article.
6/16/2008 |
