Heart Failure is a condition that causes the muscles in the heart wall to slowly weaken, stiffen and enlarge. When you have heart failure, it doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped beating --it means that your heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. The heart keeps working, but the body’s need for blood and oxygen isn’t being met. When this occurs, blood backs up in your veins. Fluid builds up in various parts of your body -- particularly the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen and lungs. This fluid build-up is known as edema...and it's why the condition is often called congestive heart failure. If left untreated, moving and breathing become increasingly difficult and painful, eventually resulting in death.
Types of Heart Failure
There are two primary types of heart failure:
- Systolic Heart Failure is pumping problem that occurs when the heart muscle becomes thin. The heart cannot easily pump blood to the body. The left heart chamber (left ventricle) becomes larger.
- Diastolic Heart Failure is a filling problem that occurs when the heart becomes thick and stiff. The heart cannot fill normally with blood.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure?
- Shortness of Breath: You may have difficulty breathing from the extra fluid in your lungs. This may get worse when you are active or when you lie down. You may wake up at night feeling short of breath.
- Swelling or Bloating: Your legs, ankles, feet, belly and/or hands may feel puffy or swollen from the extra fluid. You may notice your clothing or shoes feel tighter than usual.
- Weight Gain: When your body holds onto extra fluid, you may gain weight
- Trouble Sleeping: You may have trouble sleeping at night if you do not prop up on pillows to sleep.
- Lack of Energy or Feeling Tired/Weak: Normal everyday activities are harder to do. Walking up stairs or household chores may make you tired or weak. You may feel confused or unable to think clearly
- Loss of Appetite or Nausea: You may not feel like eating or become full more quickly, or you may have nausea.
- Cough/Wheezing: A dry, hacking cough is common, especially when lying down at night.
What Causes Heart Failure?
The most common cause of heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed by the build-up of fatty deposits called plaque.
Other common risk factors and pre-existing conditions that lead to heart failure are:
- High blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol and/or drug usage
- Sleep apnea
- Abnormal heart valves
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- Family history of heart failure
- Damage from past heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Thyroid problems
- Some types of chemotherapy
If you have any of these factors, ask your healthcare provider if they put you at risk for developing heart failure. Chester County Hospital offers comprehensive cardiovascular care and treatments. Click Here for more information on these services.
The best treatment for a heart failure is PREVENTION. You should know your personal risk factors and work with your health care provider to manage those risk factors that can be controlled. For more information about heart failure, speak with your health care provider. If you need assistance with finding a provider near you, please call 610-738-2300.