Heart Failure

Overview

Heart failure is when the heart is not able to pump sufficient blood to meet body's needs. It is also called congestive heart failure. This condition can result from various heart-related issues, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and previous heart attacks. At Yatharth Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for heart failure patients, backed by the latest medical equipment and treatment protocols.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

Due to inefficient blood flow by the heart, the blood can back up and fluid can build up in the lungs. Heart failure causes a range of symptoms, which may develop gradually or suddenly. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity or when lying flat.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness and reduced ability to exercise.

• Swelling: Fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and feet.

• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Feeling as if the heart is racing or beating rapidly

• Persistent Cough or Wheezing: Often accompanied by white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.

• Increased Urination at Night: Getting up in night many times to urinate

• Swelling of the Abdomen: Fluid buildup in the abdomen, causing discomfort.

Types of Congestive Heart Failure

Following are the types of heart failure:

1. Left-sided heart failure – Causes difficulty in breathing 

2. Right-sided heart failure – Causes swelling, especially legs

3. Systolic heart failure – Blood pumping problems

4. Diastolic heart failure – Blood filling problems

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heart failure involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. At Yatharth Hospital, our diagnostic approach includes:

• Physical Examination: Checking for signs of fluid retention, abnormal heart sounds, and other physical indicators.

• Blood Tests: Measuring levels of certain substances in the blood that can indicate heart failure.

• Chest X-ray: Imaging to detect heart enlargement and fluid in the lungs.

• Echocardiogram: Soundwaves are used to create images of the heart to assess its structure and function.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording the electrical activity of the heart to see whether the heart is beating properly.

• Stress Test: The Heart is put under a stressful situation, by making the person walk on a treadmill, and the heart is checked at that time. 

• Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Detailed imaging to provide a comprehensive view of the heart’s anatomy and function.

Stages of Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure staging is a way of classifying the severity of heart failure. It is done by the cardiologist based on the patient’s symptoms and the results of tests such as echocardiograms and blood tests. Heart failure is classified into the following classes as per the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification:

Class I – No symptoms

Class II– Does not interfere with daily routine but may cause fatigue on exertion.

Class III – Interrupts daily activities causing various symptoms

Class IV – Causes severe symptoms like shortness of breath even if one is at rest

Treatment

Medical Management

• Medications: Various medications are prescribed by the cardiologist to manage heart failure, including:

  • ACE Inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels and reduce workload on the heart.

  • Beta Blockers: To slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

  • Diuretics: To reduce fluid accumulation and relieve swelling.

  • Aldosterone Antagonists: To block the effects of certain hormones that can worsen heart failure.

  • Inotropic Agents: To improve heart contractility in severe cases.

Surgical Treatment

Some people with heart failure need surgery to open the blocked arteries and to place a device to help the heart work better. The surgeries may include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Heart Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries.

• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: Correcting or replacing faulty heart valves to improve heart function.

• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A device to correct life-threatening arrhythmias.

• Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs): Mechanical pumps to support heart function in severe heart failure.

• Heart Transplant: In end-stage heart failure, a heart transplant may be considered.

Congestive Heart Failure Treatment in Delhi, India

Yatharth Hospitals in NCR/Delhi/Noida: Expert Care for Heart Failure

At Yatharth Hospitals, our dedicated cardiac sciences team is here to provide specialized care for those dealing with heart failure. As one of India's leading healthcare facilities, we truly understand the complexities of heart failure and are committed to delivering advanced treatment options for this challenging condition.

About Yatharth Centre for Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery

The Yatharth Centre for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery is a tertiary care center at Yatharth Hospitals, India. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, we offer advanced heart care to our patients. Our treatment options for end-stage heart failure include procedures such as Pacemaker implantation, Automatic Cardioverter Defibrillator (ACD), Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), heart hole surgeries (ASD, VSD, PDA), Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, and Angioplasty/Angiography. We have state-of-the-art Cath Labs, advanced operating theaters, and other heart care technologies, ensuring the highest standard of cardiac care.

Facilities Available For Heart Failure Treatment

At Yatharth Hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of facilities and services for heart failure treatment, including:

• Cardiac Health Check-ups (Heart check-up)

• Non-nvasive and Interventional Cardiology

• Electrophysiology, Pacemaker, and Arrhythmia Services

• Acute MI Service with Control Command Center

• Comprehensive Management of Abdominal and Descending Thoracic Aneurysm, Varicose Veins

Procedures Available For Heart Failure Treatment

Our expertise includes performing a variety of procedures essential for treating heart failure, such as:

• ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)

• Heart Hole Surgeries (ASD, VSD, PDA)

• Angioplasty/Angiography

• Cardiac Surgery

• Paediatric Cardiology and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery

• Vascular Interventions and Surgeries

• Surgery for Stroke Prevention

• Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Through our comprehensive approach and advanced treatment options, Yatharth Hospital ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care and support for managing congestive heart failure effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure can result from the conditions that damage or overwork the heart, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and cardiomyopathy.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Heart failure is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like blood tests, echocardiograms, ECGs, and imaging studies.

What are the treatment options for heart failure?

Treatment options include medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions like CABG, valve repair, ICD implantation, VADs, and heart transplant.

Can heart failure be cured?

While heart failure is a chronic condition that often cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, allowing patients to lead a relatively normal life.

What lifestyle changes are recommended for heart failure patients?

It is recommended to maintain a healthy diet, do regular exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and manage stress.

Is heart failure the same as a heart attack?

No, heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, whereas a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

When should I see a doctor for heart failure?

You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as persistent shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, and unexplained fatigue or weakness.

Conclusion

Heart failure requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, which we provide at Yatharth Hospital with our team of skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and advanced medical facilities. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Cardiology Department. Your heart health is our priority.