What is Heart failure Diagnosis?

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood properly. It can be caused by conditions such as narrowed arteries or coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Other conditions that can also weaken the heart and cause heart failure include faulty heart valves, inflammation of the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart defects, etc. 

According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra who is a leading cardiac surgeon at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, heart failure may be acute (start suddenly) or ongoing (chronic). Symptoms of heart failure may include breathlessness, fatigue, persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nausea, etc. Patients may also experience severe chest pain if the heart failure is caused by a heart attack. It is important to consult a doctor immediately if one or more of these symptoms are observed.

Heart failure can involve the left ventricle (left side) which is the heart's main pumping chamber, right ventricle (right side) or both sides of the heart. In left-sided heart failure fluid may back up in the lungs and can cause shortness of breath. In right-sided heart failure fluid may back up into the abdomen, legs and feet, causing swelling.

Heart failure can cause several complications depending on the patient's overall health, severity of heart disease and other factors such as age. These complications can comprise kidney damage or failure, heart valve problems, heart rhythm problems and liver damage.

Reduction of blood flow to the kidneys because of heart failure can cause kidney failure if not treated on time. Heart valve problems may be caused if the heart is enlarged or the pressure on the heart increases due to the heart failure.

Risk of heart failure may increase because of heart rhythm problems. Heart failure may also lead to fluid build-up that can prevent the liver from functioning properly.

Dr.Ramji Mehrotra says that the risk of heart failure may be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking the prescribed medications regularly. Lifestyle changes such as controlling diabetes and high blood pressure, stress management and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. Healthy foods must be consumed while smoking and alcohol consumption must be avoided. It is also important to be physically active and maintain fitness with regular exercise.

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