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Our hearts work silently for us day and night, allowing us to move, think, and live without a second thought to it. But when the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, loses function, the routines we take for granted may begin to feel very different. Getting up a flight of stairs, walking to the shop, or enjoying time with loved ones may leave you feeling uncharacteristically fatigued or breathless. Left ventricular dysfunction (LV Dysfunction) can develop gradually and mostly unnoticed. But with a timely diagnosis and the right treatment, many people will discover ways to manage their heart health and lead an active and meaningful life.
Synopsis
What is Left Ventricular Dysfunction?
The largest and strongest chamber of the heart is the left ventricle. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Left ventricular dysfunction (LV dysfunction) occurs when the left ventricle does not contract as effectively as it should. This can happen under conditions including but not limited to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart valve problems. If weakness progresses long enough, it will affect the body's organs and tissues; this can result in symptoms including fatigue and breathlessness. Knowing about your LV dysfunction is the first vital step in maintaining it adequately, and globally maintaining heart health.
Symptoms of LV Dysfunction
Dysfunction of the left ventricle can present with deceptively low-level signs that an individual might mistake for habitual tiredness. These could be as slight as persistent tiredness, to changes in lifestyle with a reduced capacity for exercise. If left untreated over time, these symptoms are attributable to the deteriorating capacity of the heart to pump effectively, which could lead to:
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Breathlessness.
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Tiredness or low energy - for instance, the feeling of being drained after slight activity.
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Swelling - often in the ankles, feet, or legs due to fluid retention.
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Racing heart or irregular heart - this can be felt sometimes as palpitations.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate LV dysfunction at any one time, but if they are persistent, it is very important to speak to your doctor to discuss your symptoms further.
Causes of LV Dysfunction
Left ventricular dysfunction can develop for many reasons, often linked to other heart or health conditions. Some of the more common causes include:
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Coronary artery disease – |
Narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels reduces oxygen supply. |
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Previous heart attack – |
It can weaken the heart muscle. |
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High blood pressure – |
Puts extra strain on the heart over time. |
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Heart valve problems – |
Affecting blood flow through the heart. |
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Irregular heart rhythms – |
That interrupts normal pumping rhythms. |
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Infiltrative conditions – |
This includes amyloidosis or sarcoidosis. |
Other contributory factors may include previous cancer treatments, diabetes, obesity, smoking, old age, chronic alcohol or energy drink intake, some medications prescribed for other health conditions, and obstructive sleep apnoea.
How Is LV Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction (LV Dysfunction) typically begins with a careful assessment of your symptoms and your medical history, as well as a physical examination. Your doctor may order blood tests and heart imaging so that they can assess how well your heart is working and rule out other causes.
Blood tests
A blood test can detect any strain on the heart and other health problems. Common tests include:
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BNP test - measures a hormone that is a sign of the pressure changes going on in the heart.
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Metabolic panel - measures kidney and liver functions, and minerals that are important for health (e.g., sodium and potassium).
Heart imaging
Heart imaging studies include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, coronary angiography, or cardiac MRI. Every type of imaging study provides some measurement of the structure, function, and blood flow of the heart.
When a diagnosis is made early, better care is possible, and a person may get better long-term results.
Treatment of LV Dysfunction
Treatment for left ventricular dysfunction is tailored to each person, depending on the underlying cause and how severely the heart is affected. The objectives are to relieve symptoms, optimize cardiac output, and minimise potential complications.
The role of medications is generally essential to management, including:
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ACE Inhibitors, ARBS or ARNIs - relieve blood volume restrictions and enhance the force the heart may pump.
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Aldosterone Antagonists - relieve stress on the heart, have a mild diuretic effect.
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Beta Blockers – slow heart rate, decrease workload.
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Diuretics (water tablets) - help to get rid of excess water from the body.
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Digoxin - improves heart rhythm, makes symptoms better.
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SGLT2 inhibitors - help rid fluid, in people who aren't diabetic, too.
Often, things like changes to lifestyle, ongoing monitoring, and ongoing specialist care will also be part of the management plan.
When should I get checked out?
It is good to see your doctor if you have symptoms like - a continuing shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, swollen ankles or legs, an unusually fast or irregular heart rhythm. Even mild symptoms that aren't going away are worth having a conversation with your doctor about. Early action can make a big difference to your health.
If symptoms worsen fairly quickly, you have severe breathlessness, chest pain, and a rapid, irregular heartbeat, you should seek help urgently.
Conclusion
Looking after your heart is one of the best investments you can make in your health. Left ventricular dysfunction may sound daunting, but understanding the condition and knowing the signs to watch for puts you in a much stronger position. New treatment options, healthier lifestyle choices, and regular check-ups can help you feel better on a day-to-day basis. Your heart works hard for you every minute of the day. Giving it the attention it deserves is easy when you want a longer, healthier, and more active life.
Learn more about LV Dysfunction and connect with the expert cardiology team at Manipal Hospitals for advanced care.
FAQ's
Not necessarily. LV dysfunction means that the left ventricle isn't pumping as well as it should be, which can lead to heart failure, but there are some people who experience LV dysfunction who don't develop full heart failure.
Not curable, but most patients with LV dysfunction are able to be treated with medication, make lifestyle changes, and follow up regularly. The heart can improve over time.
Not always. With good treatment and healthy habits, some people maintain a steady rate of LV dysfunction and enjoy a good quality of life.
It is common to be able to, however, your doctor will give you recommendations on the type and level of activity that is safe for you. Gentle movement on a regular basis is typically okay and is probably good for you.
Lifestyle modifications play a key role in improving the quality of life and supporting medical treatment. These include following a heart-healthy diet (low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods), exercising regularly as advised by your doctor, etc.
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