Heart failure

Heart failure Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Heart failure Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Heart failure or congestive heart failure is a term used to describe the inability of the heart to properly pump blood throughout the body’s tissues. This can generally occur as a result of a weakened or stiffened heart.

Heart failure does not mean that the heart is unable to work anymore, but it requires support to carry out its functions properly. This health condition can occur at any age but is more common in older populations. Heart failure is a long-term health condition, but the symptoms can be controlled for years if properly managed.

Although not all conditions that cause heart failure can be reversed, treatment can be given to treat the signs and symptoms of heart failure. In addition, lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular physical activity, consuming balanced nutrition, and dealing with stress, can improve quality of life.

Symptom

Some of the signs and symptoms that are commonly observed in heart failure conditions are:

  • Shortness of breath, which especially occurs after exertion
  • Feeling tired most of the time and easily tired during activities
  • Swelling of the feet and ankles
  • Decreased ability to move
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Decreased appetite and nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased urge to urinate at night

Some people with heart failure also experience other signs and symptoms, such as persistent cough, increased heart rate, and dizziness. Symptoms of heart failure can also appear quickly in acute heart failure, or slowly over a long period of time in chronic heart failure.

Reason

Heart failure can be caused by various health conditions, such as:

  • Coronary heart disease

Where the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are obstructed by fat that accumulates in these blood vessels (atherosclerosis), which can cause a heart attack.

Which increases the heart’s effort and can lead to heart failure over time.

  • Cardiomyopathy 

A condition that affects the heart muscle.

Where the heart rhythm is irregular.

  • Damage to heart valves

Or other conditions that affect the function of the heart valves.

Which can occur from birth and affect the normal function of the heart.

Diagnosis

To diagnose heart failure, the doctor will conduct a medical interview to evaluate the symptoms experienced and a direct physical examination.

The doctor will also observe the presence of certain risk factors associated with heart failure conditions such as increased blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or diabetes. From a physical examination, the doctor will listen to breath sounds using a stethoscope to observe for obstructions in the lungs, and observe the blood vessels in the neck and fluid buildup in the abdomen and legs.

Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out include:

  • Blood test

To watch the function of the kidneys, liver, and thyroid gland.

  • Chest X-ray examination

The condition of the heart and lungs.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

To see any abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart.

  • Echocardiogram

Which uses sound waves to display a video image of the heart

In addition, there are also other supporting examinations that can be carried out, such as Computerized Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), if deemed necessary.

Treatment

Treatment of heart failure is aimed at controlling symptoms and slowing the progression of this health condition. Several types of treatment that are generally carried out are:

  • Lifestyle changes

These include having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking

  • Consumption of certain drugs

Which will be prescribed by a doctor. Some people with heart failure need to take two to three types of medication.

  • Using a device implanted in the heart

Which is intended to regulate heart rhythm.

  • Surgical procedure

It depends on various factors, some of which are factors that cause heart failure and the body’s response to other treatments.

Generally, someone with heart failure is advised to take medicines regularly and to see a doctor on schedule. With this, the doctor can monitor the complaints and symptoms experienced and modify the medication consumed.

Prevention

One of the keys to preventing heart failure is avoiding the risk factors. Some of the risk factors can be controlled with lifestyle changes and taking certain medications if needed.

Lifestyle changes that can be implemented include:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Control certain health conditions you have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Do physical activity regularly
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Ensuring that the ideal body weight
  • Avoiding and dealing with stress

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