Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, refers to a medical condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's requirements for oxygen and nutrients. It occurs when the heart muscles become weak, damaged, or stiff, restricting its ability to efficiently pump and circulate blood throughout the body.
The two main types of heart failure include systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart's ability to contract and pump blood is weakened, while diastolic heart failure is characterized by the inability of the heart muscles to relax and fill properly during the filling phase of the cardiac cycle. Both types result in reduced blood flow and can lead to fluid accumulation in various parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and legs.
Common symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent coughing or wheezing, swelling in the extremities (edema), rapid or irregular heartbeat, and weight gain due to fluid retention. It can be caused by various factors, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, or previous heart attacks.
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition that requires lifelong management. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and preventing further damage to the heart. It may involve lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight management, low-sodium diet, regular exercise), medication management (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors), and, in some cases, surgical interventions like heart transplantation or implantation of a ventricular assist device.
Early diagnosis and proactive management of heart failure are crucial for preventing complications and optimizing patient outcomes.
