Journal of Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Opinion Article - Journal of Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2

Heart failure: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options

Sahil Kapur*

Department of Cardiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

*Corresponding Author:
Sahil Kapur
Department of Cardiology
University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
E-mail: kapur.sahil@helsinki.fi

Received: 21-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAINIC-23-90484; Editor assigned: 24-Feb-2023, Pre QC No. AAINIC-23-90484(PQ); Reviewed: 10-Mar-2023, QC No. AAINIC-23-90484; Revised: 15-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAINIC-23-90484(R); Published: 22-Mar-2023, DOI:10.35841/aainic-6.2.136

Citation: Kapur S. Heart failure: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. J Invasive Noninvasive Cardiol. 2023;6(2):136

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology

Introduction

Heart failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively throughout the body. It is a chronic and progressive condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life and life expectancy. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for heart failure [1].

Causes of heart failure

Heart failure: Heart failure can occur due to a variety of underlying conditions that damage the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. Some of the most common causes of heart failure include:

Coronary artery disease: This is the most common cause of heart failure. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

High blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiomyopathy: This is a group of diseases that cause the heart muscle to become thick, stiff, or weak.

Heart valve disease: When the valves in the heart do not work properly, they can interfere with blood flow and increase the workload on the heart.

Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, leading to heart failure over time [2].

Symptoms of heart failure

The symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and easily dismissed. As the condition worsens, symptoms can become more severe and impact daily life. Some of the most common symptoms of heart failure include:

Shortness of breath: This is the most common symptom of heart failure. It may occur during physical activity or even at rest.

Fatigue: People with heart failure may feel tired and weak, even after getting enough rest.

Swelling: Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the legs, ankles, and feet, leading to swelling.

Rapid or Irregular heartbeat: Heart failure can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, leading to palpitations.

Persistent coughing or wheezing: Fluid build-up in the lungs can cause coughing or wheezing that won't go away [3].

Diagnosis of heart failure

Diagnosing heart failure typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Some of the most common diagnostic tests for heart failure include:

Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and can show how well the heart is pumping blood.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect any abnormal heart rhythms.

Chest X-ray: This test can show any fluid buildup in the lungs, which can be a sign of heart failure.

Blood tests: These tests can measure certain substances in the blood that are associated with heart failure, such as brain natriuretic peptide [4].

Treatment of heart failure

The treatment of heart failure depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatment options for heart failure include:

Medications: There are several types of medications that can be used to treat heart failure, including ACE inhibitors, betablockers, and diuretics.

Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can help manage heart failure symptoms.

Devices: In some cases, devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be recommended to manage heart failure.

Surgery: In severe cases of heart failure, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves or to perform a heart transplant [5].

Conclusion

Heart failure is a serious medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing any symptoms of heart failure, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. With proper treatment, people with heart failure can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can also help prevent heart failure and improve overall heart health.

References

  1. Dassanayaka S, Jones SP. Recent developments in heart failure. Circ Res. 2015;117(7):e58-63.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Ohtani T, Mohammed SF, Yamamoto K, et al. Diastolic stiffness as assessed by diastolic wall strain is associated with adverse remodelling and poor outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J. 2012;33(14):1742-9.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Zamani P, Rawat D, Shiva-Kumar P, et al. Effect of inorganic nitrate on exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Circulation. 2015;131(4):371-80.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Glean AA, Ferguson SK, Holdsworth CT, et al. Effects of nitrite infusion on skeletal muscle vascular control during exercise in rats with chronic heart failure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ. 2015;309(8):H1354-60.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Maeder MT, Thompson BR, Brunner-La Rocca HP, et al. Hemodynamic basis of exercise limitation in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56(11):855-63.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App