Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure!

Congestive heart failure is a common condition that affects nearly 10 million Indians every year. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalization, especially in older people. However, most people take congestive heart failure literally when it’s not.

What is Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition that affects the pumping power of the heart muscles. It represents a stage of heart failure in which fluids build around the heart muscles, making it difficult to pump blood.

Let’s see what exactly happens in congestive heart failure.

The heart is made of four chambers: the upper half has two atria, and the lower half has two ventricles. The function of the ventricles is to pump blood to the body (organs and tissues), and atria receive the blood from the body and circulate it back from the rest of the body. Congestive heart failure develops when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to your body, resulting in blood and other fluids backing up inside the body. It can be a life-threatening condition, and failure to provide medical assistance can even cause death.

What are Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms?

Symptoms of congestive heart failure may vary depending on the stage of the condition and can be either temporary or permanent, with the possibility of coming and going. The most common symptoms include:

• Congestion in the Lungs: Fluid can back up into the lungs, which can cause difficulty in breathing and can induce hazing or a dry cough.
• Weakness, Dizziness, and Fatigue: When a patient's heart pumping action is reduced, less blood flows to the organs, which can lead to a feeling of weakness and tiredness. Insufficient blood supply to the brain can result in dizziness.
• Water and Fluid Retention: When the pumping action of the heart is affected, less blood is circulated to the kidneys, leading to swelling in the legs and abdomen (oedema).
• Irregularity in the Heartbeat: Congestive heart failure introduces additional pressure on the heart, which must pump more blood due to decreased function. As a result, the heart may beat faster, leading to an irregular heartbeat.

Risk factors for Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure presents various risk factors, both controllable and uncontrollable. Some of the conditions that can increase the risk of heart failure include:

• Age: Older individuals, especially those over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of heart failure. As people age, their hearts can become stiff and weakened.

• Lifestyle: Unhealthy habits such as a diet high in junk food, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can elevate the risk of heart failure.

• Family History: Genetics plays a significant role as a risk factor. If anyone in your family has a history of heart failure, there is an increased chance that you may also develop the condition.

• Heart or Blood Vessel Conditions: Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack are at a heightened risk of experiencing congestive heart failure.

What are the Types of Congestive Heart Failure? 

Congestive heart failure primarily has two main types: left-sided heart failure and right-sided heart failure.

1. Left-sided heart failure

Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump oxygen-rich blood into the body. This condition hinders organs and tissue from receiving sufficient blood, leading to difficulties in functionality. Left-sided heart failure is further classified into two groups:

• Systolic Heart Failure: Also known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, this is a condition that occurs when the left ventricle loses its ability to contract effectively. Consequently, the heart faces increased pressure to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, ultimately leading to heart failure.

• Diastolic Heart Failure: Diastolic failure, or failure with preserved ejection fraction, occurs when the left ventricle cannot relax normally due to muscle stiffness. This results in reduced blood supply to the heart, causing diastolic failure due to insufficient blood supply.

 2. Right-sided heart failure

Right-sided heart failure typically occurs as a consequence of left-sided heart failure. When the left ventricle fails to pump enough blood out, it increases pressure in the lungs, leading to damage on the right side of the heart. As the right ventricle fails, blood accumulates in the veins, eventually getting pushed into the body tissues. This accumulation causes swelling in the legs, abdomen, and other areas of the body.

What are the Causes of Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure can occur due to conditions that directly affect the cardiovascular system. It is important to undergo complete heart check-ups regularly, especially if you are above 30 years of age. A complete heart check-up will identify any underlying problems, enabling doctors to be in a better position to treat the condition.

1. Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure, known as hypertension, can lead to congestive heart failure. Hypertension occurs when blood vessels become narrow, making it more challenging for blood to flow through them.

2. Coronary Artery Disease 

Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. Accumulation of excess cholesterol and fatty substances can block these arteries. Narrowed coronary arteries are susceptible to damage, as they can restrict blood flow to the heart, and sudden blockage of these arteries is a leading cause of heart attacks.

3. Cardiomyopathy

It is a progressive heart disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the heart due to factors unrelated to arteries or blood flow. Infections, drugs, or alcohol are primary contributors to the development of cardiomyopathy.

Other Conditions

Certain conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and even thyroid issues, can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

What are the Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure?

Today, thanks to advances in medical science, several treatments for congestive heart failure are available at the leading heart hospitals in Delhi. The primary goal of treating congestive heart failure is to enhance the heart's efficiency. Typically, a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications is employed for its treatment.

Proper Medication

Congestive Heart Failure is managed with medications such as diuretics to remove excess fluid. ACE inhibitors are used to open blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Medications are also used to reduce sodium and water retention in the heart, which helps the organ pump blood more effectively. Additionally, certain beta-blockers are used to slow down the heart rate and reduce its workload.

Changes in the Lifestyle

Lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in managing congestive heart failure and preventing its progression. Patients are advised to engage in gentle but regular physical activity. Smoking is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, adherence to a low-salt and low-fat diet is recommended. Alcohol consumption is also restricted.

In the case of advanced congestive heart failure, medicines and lifestyle changes are not enough. Surgical procedures are often recommended to manage the cases, including: 

Valve Replacement

In advanced cases of congestive heart failure, narrowed or leaking heart valves are repaired or replaced with a mechanical valve.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty surgery is used to open a blocked artery. The heart surgeon places a stent to help the blood vessel remain open.

Coronary Bypass Surgery

Coronary Bypass surgery is used to reroute blood vessels so the blood can travel throughout the body, avoiding blocked blood vessels.

Heart Transplant

A heart transplant is the only choice for people with severe congestive heart failure.

Read more- Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a severe condition that can be life-threatening. If you have any questions or concerns about congestive heart failure and its treatment, you can consult with an experienced cardiologist. They can help address all your queries. Some questions you may want to ask the cardiologist about the condition include:

• Who is more likely to develop heart failure?
• How can congestive heart failure be prevented?
• How common is congestive heart failure?
• How can I lower my risk of congestive heart failure?
• What can I expect if I have congestive heart failure?
• How long does congestive heart failure last?
• How can I improve my quality of life with heart failure?
• What is the outlook for people with heart failure?

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any symptoms of congestive heart failure, consult with the best cardiologists in Delhi. They can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment and advice. Common symptoms that may indicate the presence of congestive heart failure include:

• Chest pain
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats
• Severe shortness of breath
• Coughing up white or pink mucus
• Fainting or severe weakness

Congestive heart failure is treatable. If you or a loved one is experiencing cardiovascular disease, it is imperative to consult with the best heart surgeon in Delhi. Remember, lifestyle changes and optimum healthcare treatment can significantly improve your well-being and are highly recommended for anyone with a heart condition.