7 Min Read
A heart failure diagnosis may be stressful and life-changing. Globally, an estimated 26 million people live with this chronic condition, which significantly impacts both quality of life and long-term survival. For individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF), even simple activities, like walking short distances or managing daily tasks, can become physically exhausting.
Despite its high morbidity and mortality risk, many patients can lead a symptom-free and active life with timely and appropriate treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various treatment options available for managing congestive heart failure effectively.
Synopsis
Understanding Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that develops when the heart is unable to pump blood adequately. The disease causes blood and fluids to collect in the lungs and legs over time. Although there are treatments to manage heart failure symptoms like swelling, the condition is still life-limiting.
Types of Congestive Heart Failure
The types of heart failure are:
-
Left-sided heart failure
-
Right-sided heart failure
-
High-output heart failure
Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure consists of four stages: A, B, C, and D.
-
Stage A: The individual is at high risk of developing heart failure due to family history or due to one or more of the medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or more.
-
Stage B: It is a pre-heart failure condition where the ventricle is not working properly or is structurally abnormal, but there are no symptoms of heart failure.
-
Stage C: Individuals are diagnosed with congestive heart failure and have now or previously experienced symptoms of the illness.
-
Stage D: Individuals at this stage have a low ejection fraction and advanced symptoms that do not improve with therapy. This is the last stage of cardiac failure.
Heart Failure Symptoms
-
Shortness of breath, especially at night, leading to waking up
-
Heart palpitations
-
Swelling in the ankle, leg, and abdomen
-
Bloated or hard stomach
-
Fatigue
-
Need to urinate at night
-
Weight gain
-
Dry cough
-
Loss of appetite
Individuals with heart failure may experience no symptoms, mild symptoms, or severe symptoms. The heart failure gradually worsens over time, causing more symptoms to occur.
Causes of Heart Failure
Multiple factors may lead to congestive heart failure, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, arrhythmia, alcohol and tobacco consumption, lung problems or issues with other organs, and specific medications. In some individuals, left-sided heart failure could also lead to right-sided heart failure.
Some of the risk factors for congestive heart failure are:
-
Being older than 65
-
Having a sedentary or inactive lifestyle
-
Having a family history of heart disease
-
Consuming food that has a lot of salt and fat
Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated with a multi-faceted approach involving medications, surgical intervention, or lifestyle changes. The goal is to improve heart function and extend lifespan.
Lifestyle changes
-
Quit tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs, as they can significantly worsen heart failure
-
Regularly exercise as recommended by your doctor to improve heart function and overall well-being
-
Include a heart-healthy diet that limits sodium and fluid intake, which are crucial for managing fluid buildup
-
Managing stress can positively impact your heart health
Medications
-
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are recommended as a treatment in individuals with cardiac ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular conditions, or those with an ejection fraction less than 40%. They help lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and also reduce the workload on the heart.
-
Beta-blockers may be recommended if the patient has had a heart attack or an ejection fraction of 40% or lower. They slow down the heartbeat and reduce the heart’s pumping force, improving its function.
-
An aldosterone agonist is prescribed for individuals with a heart attack or an ejection fraction of 35% or lower. It helps eliminate excess sodium and fluid, preventing fluid retention.
-
Digoxin helps strengthen the heart’s pumping action and improve symptoms.
-
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2) improve heart function and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
-
A diuretic (water pills) may be given if symptoms persist. The pills help get rid of excess fluid, therefore reducing swelling and easing the workload on the heart.
-
Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) are used in severe heart failure cases.
-
Medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or to slow the heart rate also may be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be an option for patients with a heart attack, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, or coronary artery blockage.
-
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) helps bypass a blocked artery and improves blood flow to the heart.
-
Heart valve repair/replacement can treat damaged heart valves and improve function.
-
A pacemaker is a device that regulates the heart’s rhythm.
-
An implantable defibrillator is a device that can prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
-
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a device that synchronises the heart’s electrical activity and improves its function.
-
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): The device helps the heart pump when it is unable to do so properly.
-
Heart transplant: When other treatments are not feasible or in severe cases, a heart transplant may be required.
Complications of Congestive Heart Failure
Some of the complications associated with congestive heart failure are sudden cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat, collection of fluid in the lungs, heart valve problems, kidney and liver damage, pulmonary hypertension, and malnutrition.
Conclusion
While congestive heart failure is a serious condition, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can significantly improve quality of life and help patients manage their symptoms effectively. Many people may live active, satisfying lives by combining medicine, lifestyle adjustments, and modern treatments.
If you or a loved one is living with heart failure, consult our expert cardiology team at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur. Take control of your heart health today!
FAQ's
Cardiologists evaluate your medical history, check for risk factors, assess symptoms, and do a physical examination. They may also order additional diagnostic tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the common tests performed are blood tests, chest X-ray, exercise stress test, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterisation.
You must see your healthcare provider if you have new symptoms or if they get worse. Some of the causes are:
-
Swelling in the leg and belly
-
Shortness of breath at rest
-
Constant tiredness
-
Sudden weight gain
It is also important to consult your doctor if your heart failure symptoms suddenly worsen.
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is used as a bridge to transplantation for heart failure patients in whom medical therapy has failed. The device helps pump blood throughout the body.
Individuals who are 65 years or older, obese or overweight, and African-American are more likely to develop heart failure. Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women.
You can schedule an appointment with Cardiologists at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/mukundapur/specialities/cardiology/
Contact no: 033 6907 0001
Share this article on:
