What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is no longer able to adequately pump blood to meet the demands of the body. It is the progressive weakening of the heart that may impact the function of multiple organs presented as a collection of symptoms. In acute heart failure, the onset of heart failure symptoms and progressive decline can occur rapidly over a short period of time.

What are the symptoms of heart failure? Symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Gastrointestinal problems

  • Arrhythmia, rapid or irregular heartbeat

  • Persistent coughing or wheezing

  • Chest pain

  • Edema, or swelling, in lower body extremities (i.e. legs, ankles and feet)

  • Fatigue or weakness

What causes a failing heart?

Heart failure is often caused by another medical condition resulting in severe damages to the heart. Various health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal heart valves, and more commonly coronary artery disease (CAD) can lead to heart failure.

A failing heart can lead to impaired kidney and liver functions. Other complications include heart attacks, pulmonary hypertension, anemia, organ failure, and stroke.

Left or right-sided heart failure?

Heart failure can manifest in the left or right side of the heart, or both. Generally, heart failure begins in the heart’s primary pumping chamber, the left ventricle. When the left ventricle’s pump ability is impaired, the right ventricle must compensate by working harder to pump the same volume of the blood. This can lead to a gradual weakening or hypertrophy of the right ventricle and right-sided heart failure.   

Treatment

While there is no cure for advanced heart failure, steps can be taken to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. Dietary changes, exercise, and control over medication and lifestyle can contribute to a healthier heart. For severe heart failure cases, advancement in medical technology provides additional treatment options such as an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella, or Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation can restore the heart’s pumping performance.