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Heart failure

Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump the volume of blood necessary to cover the metabolic needs of the different organs.

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From a clinical perspective, the typical symptoms of this syndrome are dyspnea, ankle swelling, and fatigue. It may also show other signs such as peripheral edema, pulmonary crackles, or elevated jugular venous pressure. This clinical picture expresses several diseases affecting the heart, including arterial hypertension, heart valve disease, ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), congenital heart disease, or familial heart disease.

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It is a significant, severe, and frequent pathology. Heart failure is the leading cause of hospital admissions in people over 65 years of age and one of the main causes of cardiovascular mortality.

Most frequent symptoms

● Fatigue or tiredness, usually reflected as the inability to perform previously painless activities.

● Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of choking, or shortness of breath (dyspnea) may appear at varying degrees — also, the inability to lie flat or to have to sleep with one or several pillows.

● Swelling of the ankles and legs due to fluid accumulation.

● Rapid pulse, irregular at times.

● Lack of concentration and dizziness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis requires access to an adequate clinical history with a description of the symptoms and a good physical exam. It also includes the support of complementary tests: an electrocardiogram, blood tests, chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram.

Treatment

It is essential to understand that the treatment of any pathology addresses several important points that include the active participation of the patient and their education and knowledge about their disease. 

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The treatment of heart failure includes:

  1. Treating the cause

  2. Control of risk factors or precipitants of decompensation (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical exercise, weight control, and a healthy diet)

  3. Medication

  4. Implantation of pacemakers or defibrillators

  5. In advanced stages and fulfilling specific criteria, cardiac transplant

I have been diagnosed with heart failure
What can I do?

Currently, there are novel treatments that have managed to increase patients' life expectancy and quality of life. It is essential to know the disease and participate actively (rehabilitation programs, physical exercise, self-control of risk factors such as blood pressure, daily weight).

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SOME ADVICE:

● Be organized in taking medication.

● Monitor weight daily (weight gain in a short period can mean fluid retention).

● Make sure you always have a list of your regular medication on hand.

● Follow the recommendations of your attending professionals (not your neighbor).

● Do not smoke (a plus? you'll save money).

● Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

● Don't overuse salt (spices or lemon are good alternatives)

● Adapt your life or routine to your state of health. It is important to understand that the cardiologist is not solely responsible for the care of a heart failure patient. Patients require multidisciplinary care, including psychologists, rehabilitators, nursing service, internal medicine, primary care, geriatrics ... (There are many of us, so be consistent and disciplined).

Where to find more information?

The Internet is a valuable tool for health care and knowledge about the disease, and there are even apps and devices very focused on it.

But it would be best to ensure the reliability of the site where you are looking for information. Here we recommend some:

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