Heart failure
Heart failure means that your heart cannot supply enough blood to your body. It is sometimes called congestive heart failure.
Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It just means your heart needs help to work better.
Heart failure can occur at any age, but it is more common in older people. It is a long-term condition that can get worse over time. It usually cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be adequately controlled.
Symptoms of heart failure
The main symptoms of heart failure are:
- Shortness of breath after exercise or when at rest
- A feeling of tiredness
- Swelling of the legs and feet
Some patients may experience
- Coughing
- Increased heart palpitations
- Dizziness
Symptoms may develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure).
When do I need to see a doctor?
Speak to your doctor if you have persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure!
If you have sudden or very severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible!
You can use a number of tests, including blood tests, an ECG and echocardiography to check your heart function.
Causes of heart failure
Heart failure is often the result of a number of problems and these problems may affect your heart at the same time.
Factors that cause heart failure:
- Coronary heart disease - when the arteries that feed the heart are blocked by fatty substances (atherosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack.
- High blood pressure - it puts extra strain on the heart, which can eventually lead to heart failure.
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation
- Damage to heart valves
- Congenital heart defects - congenital abnormalities that affect normal heart function
- Sometimes anemia, excessive alcohol consumption, hyperthyroidism or pulmonary hypertension can cause heart failure.
How is it treated?
Treatment for heart failure is usually aimed at managing symptoms and stabilizing your condition.
General treatment includes:
- Lifestyle changes - a healthy diet, regular exercise and not smoking
- Medication
- Special devices - these will help you control your heart rhythm
- Surgical interventions - for example, coronary bypass surgery or a heart transplant.
Treatment is usually required throughout your life.
The prognosis for heart failure
Heart failure is a serious, long-term condition that usually gets worse over time. It can severely limit a person's usual activities and often leads to death. The progression of the disease is individual, with many people remaining stable for many years, and in some cases, the condition can worsen rapidly.
The highly qualified team at New Hospitals Cardiology Department, using advanced equipment and in accordance with modern standards, diagnose and treat a full range of heart conditions.
To make an appointment, contact us on 032 2 190 190 190
