Heart Failure
Recognizing the Symptoms & Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure or congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to meet the needs of the body. The severity of congestive heart failure depends on how much pumping power the heart has lost. While you may not be able to reverse the factors that lead to this condition, heart problems can be successfully treated.
Timely intervention is the key to successful heart failure treatment. If you have any of the risk factors or symptoms of heart failure; don’t delay! Call our office at Trinity Primary Care to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and heart failure treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure can be either chronic or acute. Some of the symptoms of chronic heart failure include:
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat and chest pain
• Shortness of breath upon the slightness exertion and even when you lie down
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Edema or swelling in your ankles, feet and legs
• Sudden weight gain brought on by excessive fluid retention
• Lowered alertness and difficulty staying focused
The symptoms of acute heart failure are similar to that of chronic heart failure. The only difference is that they are more severe and can start or get worse suddenly, without any warning.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms associated with cardiac disease. If you already have a diagnosis of congestive heart disease, and if any of the existing symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, it could be an indication that your heart is not responding to the treatment and is getting worse. Contact your doctor immediately.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Over time, old age and other health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or narrowed arteries in the heart gradually leave the heart too weak or too stiff to work efficiently and it can no longer keep up with the normal demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of the body.
Heart failure typically begins on the left side, specifically the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber in the heart.
Risk Factors & Prevention of Heart Failure
Risk factors include:
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Irregular heartbeats
• Too much alcohol
• Obesity
The best way to prevent heart failure is to control the risk factors that are known to cause heart disease.
Treatment for Heart Failure
Timely heart failure treatment can significantly improve your symptoms and increase the efficiency of your heart.
Treatment can consist of correcting the underlying cause of the condition such as replacing or repairing diseased valves, opening blocked arteries or slowing down a rapid heart rhythm. Sometimes, the treatment involves treating conditions such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or anemia that may aggravate your underlying health condition.
Heart Failure
Recognizing the Symptoms & Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure or congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to meet the needs of the body. The severity of congestive heart failure depends on how much pumping power the heart has lost. While you may not be able to reverse the factors that lead to this condition, heart problems can be successfully treated.
Timely intervention is the key to successful heart failure treatment. If you have any of the risk factors or symptoms of heart failure; don’t delay! Call our office at Trinity Primary Care to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and heart failure treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure can be either chronic or acute. Some of the symptoms of chronic heart failure include:
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat and chest pain
• Shortness of breath upon the slightness exertion and even when you lie down
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Edema or swelling in your ankles, feet and legs
• Sudden weight gain brought on by excessive fluid retention
• Lowered alertness and difficulty staying focused
The symptoms of acute heart failure are similar to that of chronic heart failure. The only difference is that they are more severe and can start or get worse suddenly, without any warning.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms associated with cardiac disease. If you already have a diagnosis of congestive heart disease, and if any of the existing symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, it could be an indication that your heart is not responding to the treatment and is getting worse. Contact your doctor immediately.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Over time, old age and other health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or narrowed arteries in the heart gradually leave the heart too weak or too stiff to work efficiently and it can no longer keep up with the normal demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of the body.
Heart failure typically begins on the left side, specifically the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber in the heart.
Risk Factors & Prevention of Heart Failure
Risk factors include:
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Irregular heartbeats
• Too much alcohol
• Obesity
The best way to prevent heart failure is to control the risk factors that are known to cause heart disease.
Treatment for Heart Failure
Timely heart failure treatment can significantly improve your symptoms and increase the efficiency of your heart.
Treatment can consist of correcting the underlying cause of the condition such as replacing or repairing diseased valves, opening blocked arteries or slowing down a rapid heart rhythm. Sometimes, the treatment involves treating conditions such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or anemia that may aggravate your underlying health condition.