There are over 5 million people in the United States who suffer from heart failure (HF). The condition kills over 300,000 annually. Yet, many people do not know what it is. Nor do they understand what causes it. Despite what many believe, the disorder does not refer to the muscle failing to beat. Instead, it refers to its pumping. Patients suffer from heart failure when the organ either does not fill properly with oxygen-rich blood (from the lungs) or cannot send that blood throughout the body. Even though the condition usually affects both sides of the organ, it occasionally impacts only the right side.
In this article, we'll explore the factors that are known to lead to the condition. We'll also describe the symptoms you're likely to notice and how the affliction is treated.
Known Causes
The heart muscle loses its ability to pump properly as it weakens. Sometimes, this weakening is due to age. More commonly, it is attributable to high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. In many cases, it may also be due to diabetes.
In the case of coronary artery disease, the plaque which accumulates within the artery impedes the blood flow as it makes its way to your heart. As a result, the organ suffers damage, which weakens it. High blood pressure stiffens the blood vessels. It can cause damage because the organ is forced to work harder. If a patient suffers from diabetes, the damage occurs because a persistently high level of sugar within the blood causes the blood vessels located near the heart to harden.
It's worth noting that HF can occur as the result of any event which damages the organ. That can include defects in the muscle as well as arrhythmias.
Possible Symptoms
The most common symptoms that signal the muscle is failing include a difficulty taking long breaths, quick fatigue from mild physical exertion, and swelling. In the case of the latter, the swelling typically occurs in the feet, ankles, and abdomen as fluids build. Occasionally, there may be also be swelling of the veins in the neck, though it is rare.
As the organ continues to weaken, the symptoms will become more pronounced. For example, a patient may feel "worn out" after a short walk or a routine climb up a flight of stairs.
How It Is Treated
The manner in which HF is treated depends heavily upon how advanced the condition is. Treatment is focused primarily upon relieving the existing symptoms and preventing further damage to the muscle. In doing so, doctors hope to extend the life of the patient while improving his or her overall quality of life.
A healthy diet and changes in lifestyle (i.e. eliminating smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.) is usually the first step in treating HF. However, in many cases, a physician will also prescribe one or more medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, and Digoxin. In severe cases, doctors may recommend cardiac resynchronization therapy with the placement of a pacemaker.
Unfortunately, heart failure cannot be cured. However, the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater likelihood that a patient can resume an active lifestyle after it is treated.
In this article, we'll explore the factors that are known to lead to the condition. We'll also describe the symptoms you're likely to notice and how the affliction is treated.
Known Causes
The heart muscle loses its ability to pump properly as it weakens. Sometimes, this weakening is due to age. More commonly, it is attributable to high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. In many cases, it may also be due to diabetes.
In the case of coronary artery disease, the plaque which accumulates within the artery impedes the blood flow as it makes its way to your heart. As a result, the organ suffers damage, which weakens it. High blood pressure stiffens the blood vessels. It can cause damage because the organ is forced to work harder. If a patient suffers from diabetes, the damage occurs because a persistently high level of sugar within the blood causes the blood vessels located near the heart to harden.
It's worth noting that HF can occur as the result of any event which damages the organ. That can include defects in the muscle as well as arrhythmias.
Possible Symptoms
The most common symptoms that signal the muscle is failing include a difficulty taking long breaths, quick fatigue from mild physical exertion, and swelling. In the case of the latter, the swelling typically occurs in the feet, ankles, and abdomen as fluids build. Occasionally, there may be also be swelling of the veins in the neck, though it is rare.
As the organ continues to weaken, the symptoms will become more pronounced. For example, a patient may feel "worn out" after a short walk or a routine climb up a flight of stairs.
How It Is Treated
The manner in which HF is treated depends heavily upon how advanced the condition is. Treatment is focused primarily upon relieving the existing symptoms and preventing further damage to the muscle. In doing so, doctors hope to extend the life of the patient while improving his or her overall quality of life.
A healthy diet and changes in lifestyle (i.e. eliminating smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.) is usually the first step in treating HF. However, in many cases, a physician will also prescribe one or more medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, and Digoxin. In severe cases, doctors may recommend cardiac resynchronization therapy with the placement of a pacemaker.
Unfortunately, heart failure cannot be cured. However, the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater likelihood that a patient can resume an active lifestyle after it is treated.
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