What You Should Know About Heart Failure?

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a medical state in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirement. In some cases, the heart does not receive sufficient blood or the heart is unable to pump the blood to the rest of the body parts with adequate force. People may suffer from both problems. Heart failure is a severe condition that requires urgent medical help.

Heart failure develops over time due to the weakening of its pumping action. It may affect either the right side of the heart or may affect both sides of the heart. Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart does not pump adequate blood to the lungs to receive enough oxygen. Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart does not pump adequate oxygen-rich blood to the various parts of the body.

Failure of the pumping capability of the heart may lead to the deposition of the fluid in the feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins of the neck region. Fluid around heart can be seen in imaging scans.

Causes of heart failure

The leading causes of heart failure are coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases that damage the heart.

Diabetes

In diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not consume insulin properly. High blood sugar levels may destroy and weaken the cardiac muscles and the blood vessels of the heart, ultimately leading to heart failure.

Hypertension

Blood pressure is said to be high if it is 140/90 mmHg or higher. People associated with diabetes or chronic kidney disease may possess elevated blood pressure (130/80 mmHg or higher). Longstanding high blood pressure ultimately leads to heart failure. Heart Attack Graphics.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a condition in which a plaque (waxy substance) deposits inside the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Plaque reduces the blood flow the heart muscle. Plaque may lead to blood clots which may partially or completely block the blood flow. Coronary heart disease may lead to chest pain or discomfort referred to as angina and may lead to heart failure.

Other cardiac conditions and diseases that may lead to heart failure are such as:

Cardiomyopathy: it occurs when the cardiac muscles become thick or enlarged.

Arrhythmia: it occurs when the rhythm of the heartbeat is affected.

Heart valve disease: it occurs if one or more of your heart valves do not work properly, which may be present since birth or may be induced by various

infections associated with other heart diseases.

Other factors that can damage the heart muscle and may lead to heart failure include alcohol abuse, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, thyroid, excessive amount of vitamin E, and treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Signs and symptoms of heart failure

The most common symptoms of heart failure are:

Coughing, shortness of breath

Excess fluids around the lungs (pleural effusion)

Excess of fluids in the lungs (pulmonary edema)

Tiredness

Pumping action of the heart becomes weaker

Swelling in abdomen

Swelling in ankles and legs

Consult your doctor if you come across with such signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment may help people who are associated with heart failure condition and prolong their life.

Mohd Salman, Mbbs, is a medical science professional and is associated with DiseaseFix as a researcher. Find the most relevant and updated information about the disease in DiseaseFix.