Heart Failure

Overview

Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart fails to supply enough blood to meet the body's needs. Heart failure can be classified into left-sided heart failure, right-sided heart failure, and congestive heart failure.

Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath when lying down or with physical activities, Swelling of legs and abdomen, Nausea, Poor appetite, Fatigue, Dizziness, Weakness, Increased need to urinate at night

Common Causes

Hypertension, Diabetes, Coronary artery disease, Congenital heart defects, Cardiomyopathy, Valvular heart disease, Myocarditis, Thyroid disease, Anemia, Pulmonary hypertension

Risk Factors

High blood pressure, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Obstructive sleep apnea, Being overweight or obese, Usage of certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anesthesia medications, medications used to treat hypertension, arrhythmias, cancer, neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, and infections, Family history of heart disease, Personal history of heart disorders such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, Excessive alcohol intake

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Blood tests to look for possible causes of heart failure, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest x-ray, Echocardiogram, Coronary angiogram, Cardiac computerised tomography (CT), Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Exercise stress test

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle changes, Oral medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, inotropes, digoxin, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart valve replacement or repair, Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, Cardiac resynchronisation therapy, Ventricular assist devices, Heart transplant