Heart failure is a long-term condition in which your heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should. This does not mean your heart has stopped working; rather, it means it is weaker and unable to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. When your heart's pumping ability is reduced, fluid can build up in the lungs, legs, and other parts of your body. Heart failure often
develops gradually and is commonly linked to other heart conditions like coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, even if you have heart failure, you can manage the condition and improve the quality of your life.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down. You may notice swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, along with rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup. You might even experience persistent difficulty with golf, exercise, or a feeling of weakness during daily activities.
Causes
Heart failure usually develops when your heart becomes weak or damaged. Conditions such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure can affect how well the heart pumps blood. Over time, these conditions put extra strain on your heart, making it harder for it to supply enough blood to your body.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose heart failure by reviewing symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination. Several tests might be recommended to evaluate your heart condition. These tests can include blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms. These help doctors understand how the heart is pumping.
Treatment
Treatment for heart failure focuses on improving symptoms and helping your heart work more effectively. Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active. Medications might be prescribed to help your heart function better and reduce fluid buildup, and in some cases, medical devices like pacemakers might be
needed to support heart functioning.
