Heart Failure

I know the term "heart failure" doesn't sound real good but what heart failure means that the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. It is NOT cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest means the heart actually stops beating. Heart failure is also called congestive heart failure, or CHF. "Congestive" means fluid is starting to build up in the body because the heart isn't pumping properly.

There are different causes of heart failure. It could be one of the following:

-High blood pressure (hypertension)
-Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels to the heart )
-Heart muscle problems(known as cardiomyopathy)
-Alcohol abuse
-Congenital heart disease (a heart problem you were born with)
-Diabetes
-Thyroid problems

What do we need to watch out for?

1. Rapid weight gain
2. Shortness of breath with any activity at all
3. Shortness of breath when laying down
4. Swelling of the legs or ankles
5. Waking up in the night suddenly breathless

With these symptoms, it is best to go to your doctor. He would usually order an EKG or an Electrocardiogram to determine your heart's functioning ability. Heart failure can't be completely cured (it's like hypertension). An important part of treatment is taking care of any underlying problems first. It also includes lifestyle changes and medicines.

Your medicine would depend on the symptom that you are manifesting. Your doctor might give you the following meds:


ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors help open your arteries and lower your blood pressure thus improving blood flow.
Diuretics. Diuretics or "water pills". This medication would make you urinate more often and help keep fluid from building up in your body. They can also decrease fluid that collects in your lungs, which helps you breathe easier.
Beta blockers. Beta blockers can improve blood flow and may help prevent some heart rhythm problems.
Digoxin. Digoxin (also called digitalis) helps the heart pump better.

Lifestyle changes includes:

1. Limit salt and sodium intake.
2. Don’t smoke.
3. Exercise. Stay active. Your doctor can provide a safe and effective exercise plan based on your degree of heart failure and how well you do on tests that check the strength and function of your heart. DO NOT exercise on days that your weight has gone up from fluid retention or you are not feeling well.
4. Lose weight if you are overweight.
5. Get enough rest, including after exercise, eating, or other activities. This allows your heart to rest as well.

Heart failure can be frightening. It has no cure, but one can live a full and enjoyable life with the right treatment and active attention to your lifestyle.