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What is heart failure?
Heart failure is defined as the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood for the body. Congestive heart Failure, a type of heart failure, is characterized as damaging the heart and its processes. Although heart failure may suggest the heart stopping, this is not the case and instead is a condition that requires medical attention.The human body depends on the heart circulating the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients through blood, so the condition can cause a multitude of issues as well as impact one’s lifestyle.
Symptoms
Individuals with left-sided heart failure may experience these symptoms
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath – blood begins occluding in the pulmonary veins, which may cause fluid to leak into the lungs.
Coughing/Wheezing – blood clogs up veins, which may lead to fluids being forced from vessels to other tissues.
Fatigue (consistent tiredness, despite having rest) – the brain diverts the low supply of blood to the brain and heart instead of muscles.
General Weakness and impaired concentration – reduced blood flow to the brain.
Individuals with right-sided heart failure may experience these symptoms
Nausea and loss of appetite – the digestive system begins to receive less blood.
Weight fluctuations – weight gain is associated with increased fluid retention, whereas weight loss might be because of reduced blood flow to the stomach.
Edema or excess fluid in body tissues – fluid from blood vessels are forced into various tissues leading to swelling
Increased need to urinate
Treatment Options
Heart failure that has progressed over time cannot be cured. However it can be treated through different methods such as…
Lifestyle Changes (physical activity, stress management, quitting unhealthy habits like smoking, a balanced diet, and monitoring weight)
Medication can effectively eliminate or slow heart failure
(Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) widen blood vessels to lower blood pressure)
Common ACE inhibitors include Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, and more. On the other hand, common ARB inhibitors include Candesartan, Losartan, and Valsartan.
Angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) break down substances and open up arteries. They’re commonly prescribed as Sacubitril/valsartan.
Channel Inhibitors which lower heart rate and are prescribed as Ivabradine.
Be mindful there are many medications one can utilize in case of heart failure, so the list is a few examples.
Surgical Procedures (ex heart transplant) along with new innovative devices (ex Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) can reduce the damage of heart failure.
Risk Factors
Being 65 years or older increases heart failure risk
Genetics, or family members who have heart failure may indicate a possible higher risk for heart failure.
Those with unhealthy lifestyle habits are more susceptible to HF/CHF
Heart or Lung conditions can increase the risk of heart failure
African Americans are at a greater risk of experiencing the condition.
Those who are at high risk of heart failure should take preventive measures to reduce risk (see treatment section).
Myocarditis
Although a rare condition, Myocarditis is when the heart’s myocardium has inflammation. This condition can severely weaken the heart and its ability to pump blood efficiently. Myocarditis can be acute or chronic, but if it’s severe it may lead to heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, and other diseases.
While the cause of myocarditis is unknown, oftentimes the condition is caused due to a viral, bacterial, or a fungal infection. However, like many diseases you can take preventive measures to change your lifestyle.
Works Cited
Heart Failure. (n.d.). American Heart Association. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
Heart Failure - What Is Heart Failure? (2022, March 24). NHLBI. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure
Myocarditis. (2022, September 27). American Heart Association. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/myocarditis