Defining Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart's pumping capacity is inadequate to meet the body's needs. It can affect the left, right, or both sides, leading to a complex clinical syndrome.
Types of Heart Failure
Heart failure is categorized into two types: systolic and diastolic. Systolic failure refers to weakened contractions, while diastolic involves the ventricles' inability to relax and fill properly.
Heart Failure Causes
Common causes include coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Less known are cardiomyopathies due to alcohol abuse, certain cancers, or the misuse of certain medications.
Symptoms Uncovered
Besides breathlessness and fatigue, heart failure can cause abdominal swelling, persistent coughing, and decreased alertness. These symptoms result from congestion in different body tissues.
Diagnosis Techniques
In addition to ECGs and echocardiograms, doctors may use cardiac MRI or cardiopulmonary exercise tests to assess heart failure, providing a more detailed picture of cardiac function.
Advancements in Treatment
Treatment includes medications, lifestyle changes, and devices or surgery. Breakthroughs like gene therapy and fully implantable mechanical hearts could revolutionize future management of heart failure.
Living with Heart Failure
Heart failure patients can live full lives with proper management. Advances in telemedicine and mobile health platforms now allow for better monitoring and adherence to treatment plans.
What defines heart failure?
Inability to meet body's needs
Heart stops beating entirely
Blood pressure is consistently high
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