Heart failure is a condition where the heart inadequately pumps blood. It might pump at a different rate, with less force or pump reduced blood with every heartbeat.
If there is reduced blood flowing out of the heart into the body, the muscles and other tissues could not receive enough oxygen. The kidneys might not function effectively in eliminating excess fluid as urine. As an outcome, blood moves up into the blood vessels. The surplus fluid seeps into the lungs or other parts of the body.
The presence of fluid in the lungs causes difficulty breathing. Once the fluid seeps into other body parts, it results to swelling. If there is excess fluid in the body, there is added strain on the heart.
What are the causes?
Various factors can lead to the development of heart failure such as:
- Heart attack
- Constriction or blockage in the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscle
- Heart infection
- High blood pressure
- Lung disease
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Heart valve issues
- Hereditary issues with the heart muscles
What are the signs?
The indications of heart failure might include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, initially during physical activity and even while at rest after some time.
- Coughing
- Waking up at night with difficulty breathing or unable to lie flat in bed due to shortness of breath
- Enlarged feet, ankles and legs
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Weight gain due to the excess fluid in the body
- Sensation that the heart is fluttering or racing
- Poor appetite or feeling sick to the stomach
- Feeling excessively tired
Management of heart failure
Heart failure can be managed with an emphasis on:
- Assisting the heart so that it does not strain
- Promote better pumping of blood
- Eliminating extra fluid in the body
The doctor might prescribe medications to relax the blood vessels and lower the blood pressure. The individual might take 2 or more drugs to manage heart failure. It might take several weeks or months to find the right treatment.