If the heart muscle could not pump enough blood that the body requires, it is called heart failure. The heart is not capable of pumping adequately as normally as it should. Since the heart could not pump properly, the body attempts to compensate with the following:
- Heart beats more rapidly
- Body retains salt and water which increases the amount of blood in the bloodstream
- Heart grows bigger in size
Even though the body compensates for the heart failure, over time the heart and body could no longer keep up. Fluid starts to accumulate in the body and symptoms of shortness of breath and weakness arise. The buildup of fluid is called congestion.
It is important to note that heart failure eventually worsens over time but treatment can delay the progression of the disease and help the individual feel better and live longer.
What are the causes?
Factors that damages the heart or affects how it pumps can result to heart failure. The usual causes include the following:
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
Other conditions that can lead to the condition include the following:
- Diseases affecting the heart muscle
- Diabetes
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart defect
- Pericardial disease
- Arrhythmia
- Prolonged, excessive consumption of alcohol
Indications of heart failure
The symptoms of heart failure arise once the heart could not adequately pump blood to the entire body. During the initial phases, the following are present:
- Feeling tired easily
- Weakness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Palpitations
As the condition progresses, the fluid accumulates in the lungs and other parts of the body which causes the following:
- Shortness of breath even while resting
- Coughing or wheezing when lying down
- Edema or swelling in the ankles, legs and feet
- Increased weight that occurs in a day or two or slowly
- Urge to urinate more at night time
- Feeling bloated or nauseous
In case the symptoms abruptly worsen, medical care is required.
Management
Many individuals with heart failure take several medications such as:
- ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers and vasodilators
- Diuretics and digoxin
- Medications to treat the cause of heart failure
The individual should take the medications as directed by the doctor to prevent the condition from worsening.