ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure is the condition when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. 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, utilizing the latest medical advancements and treatment protocols to improve quality of life and outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure can present with a range of symptoms, which may develop gradually or suddenly. Common signs and symptoms include:

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

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

• Swelling: Edema in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup.

• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or a sensation of the heart racing.

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

• Increased Urination at Night: Frequent need to urinate during the night.

• Swelling of the Abdomen: Ascites, or 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: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording the electrical activity of the heart to identify rhythm problems.

• Stress Test: Assessing heart function under physical stress to determine the severity of heart failure.

• 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: To relax blood vessels and reduce workload on the heart.

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

  • Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup 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

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): 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

Yatharth Hospitals are committed to providing specialized and compassionate care for individuals suffering from heart failure. As one of India's premier healthcare institutions, we understand the complexities of heart failure and are dedicated to offering advanced treatment options and comprehensive support. Our primary focus is to address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring their well-being remains our top priority as we collaboratively manage and treat heart failure effectively.

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 cardiac care programs 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. Our facilities boast state-of-the-art Cath Labs, operating theaters, and other advanced 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

• Invasive 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 various 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 such as 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?

Recommended lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing 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 and advanced medical facilities. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Cardiology Department. Your heart health is our priority.