Heart failure can occur if the heart cannot pump (systolic) or fill (diastolic) adequately. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs and rapid heartbeat. Treatments can include eating less salt, exercise, limiting fluid intake and taking prescription medication. In some cases a defibrillator or pacemaker may be implanted.
Healthcare >> Life Threatening Diseases >> Heart failure
General illness
Type of illness
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Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently.
Conditions that can be associated with the development of heart failure include: CHD, a prior heart attack, uncontrolled hypertension, abnormal heart valves, congenital heart disease (heart defects present at birth) and heart muscle disease.
cardiomyopathy, a disorder of the heart muscle that causes the heart to become weak. a congenital heart defect. a heart attack. heart valve disease. certain types of arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. high blood pressure. emphysema, a disease of the lung. diabetes.
Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down. Fatigue and weakness. Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Reduced ability to exercise. Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.
Take a cardiologist's advice
Details
GeneralMedicines :Treatment depends on severity Treatments can include eating less salt, limiting fluid intake and taking prescription medication. In some cases a defibrillator or pacemaker may be implanted. Physical exercise, Quitting smoking, Weight loss, and Low sodium diet.Medications Diuretic Increases urine production to get rid of excess salt and water. Beta blocker Slows heart rate and decreases blood pressure. When taken in eye-drop form, it reduces eye pressure. ACE inhibitor Relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and prevents diabetes-related kidney damage. Antihypertensive drug Lowers blood pressure. Dietary supplement Works alone or in conjunction with other treatments to promote health. Blood pressure support Helps increase blood pressure when it's too low. Vasodilator Widens blood vessels. Heart Medication Helps reduce chest pain or pressure caused by blockages in the arteries of the heart.
