Heart Failure Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle is not able to pump blood effectively. Over time, this can lead to symptoms like fluid build-up in the lungs and leg swelling due to poor blood circulation. Common causes include high blood pressure and narrowed heart arteries.

Types of Heart Failure

Types of heart failure include:

• Left-sided heart failure: This type of heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to breathlessness due to fluid accumulation.
• Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure results in fluid build-up in the abdomen, legs, and feet, causing noticeable swelling.
• Systolic heart failure: Inability of the heart to effectively pump blood due to the left ventricle contracting weakly.
• Diastolic heart failure (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction): Issues with the filling of the heart due to the left ventricle not being able to relax or to be fully filled.

Heart Failure Causes

Common causes of heart failure include:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Cardiomyopathy (conditions that affect the cardiac muscle)
• Problems with the heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
• Damage or other issues related to the heart valves
• Congenital heart disease (birth defects)
• Hyperthyroidism (Overactivity of the thyroid gland)
• Anaemia
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• High pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs from the heart (pulmonary hypertension)

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Recognising the symptoms early can be crucial for management and treatment. Here are the primary symptoms of heart failure:

• Shortness of breath: Occurs during physical exertion and while resting, making it hard to lie flat without discomfort.
• Congestion of lungs: A buildup of fluid in the lungs can lead to a feeling of being unable to breathe deeply or fully.
• Weakness and fatigue: Patients often feel tired easily, even when performing simple tasks that do not previously cause exhaustion.
• Swelling:  Fluid accumulates in the body, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which often worsens throughout the day.
• Constant coughing: There is a noticeable decline in the ability to engage in physical activity, as the heart cannot handle increased demand.
• Rapid or erratic heartbeat: The heart may compensate for its lack of efficiency by beating more quickly or in an irregular pattern.
• Lightheadedness: Low blood pressure can cause episodes of lightheadedness or fainting spells, particularly when standing up quickly.

These symptoms may vary in intensity and combination, depending on the severity of the heart failure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a heart specialist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

Stages of Heart Failure

Heart failure is categorised into different stages that reflect the severity of the condition. Upon diagnosis, your healthcare provider will determine the stage of your heart failure to tailor the most effective treatment plan.

The stages are commonly classified from 1 to 4:

• Stage 1 (Class I): There are no symptoms during regular physical activity at this initial stage. Patients can engage in normal activities without experiencing discomfort.
• Stage 2 (Class II): You may feel comfortable at rest; however, normal physical activity might trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue.
• Stage 3 (Class III): Comfort is limited to when you are at rest. Even minor physical activities can cause symptoms, significantly affecting your quality of life.
• Stage 4 (Class IV): This is the most severe stage, where you experience symptoms even at rest, making it impossible to perform any physical activity without discomfort.

Understanding which stage of heart failure you are in is crucial for your medical team to administer the most appropriate treatments designed to manage your symptoms and improve overall heart health.

Heart Failure Risk Factors

• Conditions including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, heart attack, hypertension, abnormal heartbeats, diabetes, and heart-damaging or weakening viral infections
• Specific medicines, which include diabetes drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); certain anaesthesia medicines; and certain medicines used to treat hypertension, blood conditions, cancer, irregular heartbeats, nervous system conditions, mental health conditions, lung and urinary issues, inflammatory diseases and infections
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Sleep apnoea (difficulty breathing while sleeping)

Heart Failure Diagnosis

Heart failure diagnosis involves a series of steps that help cardiologists determine the presence and severity of the condition. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

• Evaluation of medical history
• Evaluation of symptoms and risk factors
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cardiac computerised tomography (CT) scan
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test
• Coronary angiogram
• Myocardial biopsy

If heart failure is suspected based on initial tests, further evaluations may be recommended to assess the type and severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving outcomes in heart failure patients.

Heart Failure Treatment Options

Effective management of heart failure involves a combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s specific condition. Here’s a rundown of the typical treatment options for heart failure:

• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing diabetes or hypertension.
• Medication: To improve heart function and relieve symptoms.
• Surgical interventions: Including heart transplants or installing devices like pacemakers to help the heart maintain a healthy rhythm.

In many cases, a combination of these treatments will be required to manage heart failure effectively. This integrative approach aims to relieve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and extend survival.

Heart Failure Prevention

Preventing heart failure involves managing its risk factors effectively. Here are key lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of developing heart disease:

• Quitting smoking.
• Keeping your hypertension and diabetes (if any) in check.
• Staying physically active.
• Practising an active lifestyle.
• Keeping a healthy weight.
• Managing stress levels.

Visit the Nearest Gleneagles Hospitals to Learn More about Our Cardiology Services

Effective heart failure management requires specialised care. Visit your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals to explore our advanced cardiology services and get a personalised treatment plan from the expert cardiologists dedicated to improving your heart health.