CONDITIONS I HEART FAILURE
What is congestive heart failure?
Heart failure is a term to describe the heart’s poor ability to pump blood efficiently. Heart failure is mainly due to the weakening of the heart muscle. However, a stiffened heart muscle can contribute to this as well. Also called congestive heart failure, the condition does not suggest a complete failure of the heart muscle, just limited capacity to support the flow of blood. As a result, the heart muscle requires further support to function optimally. This means that with medical interventions in place, doctors can improve heart function and blood flow.
What are the signs?
- Out of breath often
- Tiredness
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Coughing
- Rapid heartbeat
What causes the condition?
Heart failure can arise for a number of reasons related to the build-up of harmful fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease and cardiomyopathy.
How do you diagnose heart failure?
A blood test can be ordered to check for anything detrimental in the blood that could signify heart failure. Furthermore, Dr Hassen can conduct an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to check for any abnormal electrical activity or structural abnormalities affecting the heart.
What does treatment involve?
Dr Hassen can attempt to treat the condition conservatively by prescribing medication and discussing critical lifestyle changes that need to be made.
A pacemaker can be fitted to regulate a slow heartbeat. Fortunately, a pacemaker is a device that monitors your heart rate continuously. However, you may also have to stay overnight in the hospital following the procedure to check that the pacemaker is working effectively.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is suggested for patients at risk of heart arrhythmia. An ICD is implanted to monitor your heart rhythm consistently. The ICD emits a short electric shock to control a fast heartbeat.
Alternatively, surgical intervention helps treat the condition causing heart failures, such as heart valve replacement, coronary angioplasty or heart transplant surgery.
