What is Symptomatic Heart Failure?
Symptomatic heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the needs of the body. It is usually caused by the narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, or by chronic high blood pressure. Symptoms of heart failure can vary from mild to severe and include: shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the ankles, feet and legs, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and a feeling of "fluttering" in the chest.
Causes of Symptomatic Heart Failure
The most common cause of symptomatic heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries. Other causes include high blood pressure, infection of the heart valves, diabetes, and heart defects present at birth.
Risk Factors for Symptomatic Heart Failure
The following risk factors can increase your chances of developing symptomatic heart failure:
- Age: those over 65 are at greater risk.
- High Blood Pressure: consistently elevated blood pressure is a major contributor to heart failure.
- Diabetes: those with Type II diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing heart failure than those without.
- Overweight/Obesity: carrying too much weight places extra strain on the heart and increases the risk of heart failure.
- Smoking: smoking increases your chances of developing heart failure.
- Family History: if a family member has had heart failure, then you are at a higher risk.
- Diet: those who eat a high-fat, high-sodium diet are at an increased risk of heart failure.
- Gender: men are at higher risk of heart failure than women.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Symptomatic Heart Failure
Symptomatic heart failure is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging scans. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the heart failure, and include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further heart damage may include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Medications can be used to reduce the strain on the heart and to improve its ability to pump blood. These can include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels, and beta-blockers to slow heart rate. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged heart.
Conclusion
Symptomatic heart failure can be a serious condition that can lead to more serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Understanding your risk factors, making lifestyle changes, and receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of heart failure. If you are experiencing symptoms of heart failure, be sure to speak with your doctor.