Heart Failure
What is Heart Failure?
Heart Failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to deliver enough blood to supply the body with adequate oxygen and nutrients. The body will attempt to compensate for some time by stimulating the heart to beat faster and with more force, retaining salt and water and remodeling the heart (chambers enlarge and muscles thicken). These compensatory measures are adequate early on, but eventually the heart muscles become so stretched, they are no longer able to contract. The decrease pumping ability causes the blood in the veins to become backed up. Fluid seeps out of the backed up veins and can cause congestion in the lungs, abdomen, legs and feet. additionally the reduced supply of oxygen to muscles and organs causes fatigue and weakness.
Heart Failure can be caused by any medical conditions that increases the hearts work load or damages the heart muscles. Coronary heart disease, past heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disease and diabetes are some of the more common causes of to Heart Failure. Failure does not mean that your heart has stopped. It means that your heart is not pumping as well as it should.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may diagnose heart failure based on your symptoms and a physical examination. You will need tests to find the cause and type of heart failure so that you can get the right treatment. These tests might include:
- Blood tests
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to check your heart’s electrical system
- An echocardiogram to see the size and shape of your heart and how well it is pumping
- Cardiac catheterization to check your heart and its blood vessels (coronary arteries)
