Heart failure is a progressive and chronic condition where the heart fails to pump blood effectively, causing oxygen and nutrient deficiencies in the body's organs. This inefficiency can arise from the heart’s reduced ability to contract or from rigidity that impedes filling and pumping. Often, heart failure represents the final stage of underlying cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy, which progressively weaken or stiffen the heart muscles. According to the CDC, heart failure affects over 6 million Americans, making it a significant health issue in the United States.
Heart failure is broadly classified into two types: systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure, also called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), occurs when the heart muscle weakens and cannot contract effectively, reducing blood ejection. This type is often linked to damage from a heart attack or other conditions that directly impact heart muscle strength. In contrast, diastolic heart failure, or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), involves the stiffening of heart muscle, impeding the chambers’ ability to fill with blood properly. This type is often associated with aging and conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Symptoms of heart failure are systemic, reflecting the body's struggle to compensate for reduced blood flow. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, rapid heartbeat, and, in advanced cases, fluid buildup in the lungs. The consequences of untreated heart failure can be severe, with potential damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, and even the brain.
Managing heart failure requires a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle changes—such as a low-sodium diet, routine exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco—play a foundational role. Medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics, aim to reduce symptoms, control blood pressure, and improve cardiac function. In advanced cases, surgical options like pacemakers, ventricular assist devices (VADs), or even heart transplants become necessary to prolong life.
Research into new treatments, including gene therapy and regenerative medicine, offers hope for more effective heart failure management.
Heart Failure: Types, Symptoms, and Management Approaches
