Causes, Signs, and Management of Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when one’s heart muscles are unable to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to support other organs. It does not mean that the heart stops beating entirely. Simply put, the heart is just unable to function optimally. This condition is the leading cause of death in the country, affecting roughly 5.1 million people. Here are some common signs and conditions that lead to heart failure and treatment options for it
Causes of heart failure
The following are some of the health conditions that are known to cause heart failure, also termed as congestive heart failure.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is caused when cholesterol or fatty deposits accumulate on the walls of the arteries and restrict the blood flow to the heart. Narrowed arteries can also lead to chest pain, heart attack, and weakened heart muscle.
Cardiac amyloidosis
Cardiac amyloidosis, also known as stiff heart syndrome, is a condition where proteins get abnormally deposited in and around heart muscles, thus thickening the heart walls. This protein build-up damages the heart and may lead to heart failure.
Hypertension
Hypertension is a condition where one’s blood pressure is consistently higher than usual. It can be brought on by a sedentary or unhealthy lifestyle and excessive coffee consumption. This ailment weakens or stiffens the heart muscles and stops them from effectively pumping blood.
Faulty heart valves
Heart valves are tiny flaps that ensure the blood flows in the right direction. A damaged valve, which can occur due to aging, infection, or birth defect, puts pressure on the heart muscles.
Cardiomyopathy
It is a chronic disease of the heart muscles. Cardiomyopathy can be inherited, brought on by viral infections, or developed during pregnancy.
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease refers to heart issues born from a range of birth defects that affect the blood flow.
Arrhythmias
The resting heart rate for a healthy person is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmia is when the heartbeats are either faster or slower than normal. This irregularity weakens the heart, limits blood flow, and can eventually result in heart failure. Any of the conditions mentioned above, or diabetes, COVID-19 infection, or hyperthyroidism, can cause arrhythmias.
Anemia
Anemic patients may experience heart failure as a result of a deficiency in red blood cells or oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. Iron, vitamin B12, folate, and copper deficiencies are the main causes of anemia. Any intestinal disorders that don’t allow the body to absorb the nutrients can also lead to developing anemic tendencies.
Symptoms of heart failure
Heart failure develops gradually, so its symptoms can often be overlooked as seasonal or temporary discomfort. Mild heart failure can restrict one’s regular activities and make them feel weak or out of breath. Deteriorating heart health, however, can pose a serious risk in the long run.
Shortness of breath
Heart failure symptoms are common in men and women. The condition pools the lungs with fluid and interrupts one’s breathing. So, even light physical activity or exercise can leave one feeling breathless.
Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue due to heart failure occurs because the heart has blocked passages and has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs. This leads to a generalized feeling of exhaustion even without any lifestyle changes.
Irregular heartbeat
One may experience an irregularity in one’s heartbeat for no apparent reason. This is because the heart cannot pump blood adequately throughout the body when it is failing.
Bloating and swollen body parts due to fluid retention
Fluid retention is a warning sign of progressive heart failure. Water retention could occur as a result of decreased blood supply to the kidneys. This accumulation can manifest in a number of ways, including stomach bloating, chronic coughing, swollen ankles and legs, or nausea.
Dry cough
A weak heart sends the fluid into the lungs, which can congest the lungs and lead to dry cough or wheezing. This may also result in breathing issues during physical activity, when at rest or lying flat on one’s back.
Those who suffer from heart failure often consider the early symptoms as a natural part of aging. Some warning signs like fatigue and shortness of breath do resemble age-related issues. But it’s best to get them checked early on to avoid worsening the condition. At times, some of these symptoms may also resemble lung conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Management of heart failure
Those older than 65, those born with heart defects, or those suffering from type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Some lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, walking, and intake of healthy food habits can reduce the risk of the disease. Additionally, one can also opt for low-salt foods, reduce stress through yoga and meditation, spend time in nature, and get plenty of rest to keep the heart healthy for a long time.
Treatments for heart failure
Heart failure is a life-threatening disorder, but it can also be cured with timely treatment. If it is suspected, a healthcare professional will run some tests, including chest X-ray, stress test, echocardiogram, or blood tests to find the root cause of the discomfort and heart blockages, if any. Here are some common treatments for heart failure:
Coronary bypass surgery
This surgery builds a new channel to restore the blood flow to the heart muscles. This treatment uses healthy blood vessels from one’s leg, arm, or chest and connects them below and above the heart’s obstructed arteries.
Heart valve replacement
This surgery aims to fix any issue in one’s malfunctioning heart valve that causes heart failure. An open heart surgery can be used to replace a heart valve.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
CRT may be required if the lower heart chambers do not pump in unison. This surgery facilitates synchronized ventricular contraction, which enhances cardiac performance.
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
This device aids blood circulation in one’s body and is surgically implanted in the patient’s left ventricle.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
This surgery implants a battery-powered device under the skin of the chest to detect and stop irregular heartbeats and avoid heart failure complications. In this, the patient’s heart rate is closely monitored.
Heart transplant
A heart transplant can be a suitable treatment for extreme cases. It is usually a last resort.