Heart failure (HF) means the inability of the heart to pump adequate blood for the body’s requirement.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a type of heart failure, that needs timely medical attention and is sometimes addressed as HF itself. CHF occurs when the heart is unable to pump the blood efficiently, leading to the collection of blood in various parts of the body. Untreated heart failure can result in total failure of the heart, and the failure of other vital organs due to insufficient blood supply.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
High level of LDL in blood can increase the risk for other conditions such as:
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
Irregular heartbeat
Sudden weight gain
Swelling/bloating in the stomach area
Increased urination at night
Nausea
Causes of Heart Failure
Several conditions, especially the ones that are heart-related can cause heart muscle damage, examples include:
- Coronary heart disease (CAD)
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease (heart problems since birth)
- Arrhythmia
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Tobacco usage and alcohol consumption
- Medications used during cancer treatment
- Kidney disease
Diagnosis and Treatment
Depending on the symptoms and pre-existing medical conditions, certain diagnostic blood tests and scans such as MRI scan, X-ray scan, CT scan, echocardiogram, biopsy, etc. may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the treatment plan.
The treatment plan is based on the extent of damage to the heart and vital organs, and the underlying causative factors. Treatment generally consists of immediate lifestyle changes to be made, medications to reduce risk factors and promote blood circulation to the vital organs, and surgery if required.
FAQ's :
References:
- Heart failure. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142 Accessed on 20-05-2022
- Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17069-heart-failure-understanding-heart-failure Accessed on 20-05-2022
- Heart Failure. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure Accessed on 20-05-2022
- Heart Failure. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/heartfailure.html Accessed on 20-05-2022