Heart failure is a condition where your heart becomes so weak or stiff that it cannot pump enough blood to your body. This disease can progress over time and your organs can be affected. You can be affected both physically and mentally. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it can be controlled and your quality of life can be preserved.
- What is heart failure?
- What are the symptoms of heart failure?
- What causes heart failure?
- What are the stages of heart failure?
- How is heart failure diagnosed?
- How is heart failure treated?
- How should nutrition be in heart failure?
- Is exercise beneficial in heart failure?
- What can heart failure lead to?
- How is heart failure prevented?
- When should you consult a doctor?
- Frequently asked questions
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when there is a decrease in your heart’s contracting power or relaxation ability. When your heart cannot pump enough blood, your tissues cannot reach the oxygen and nutrients they need. This condition usually progresses slowly and initially manifests with mild complaints. However, over time your organs begin to be affected. Heart failure develops as a result of other heart diseases rather than being a disease by itself.
What are the types of heart failure?
Heart failure can present in different types. Which type you have determines both the course of your symptoms and the treatment to be applied.
In systolic heart failure, your heart cannot contract enough and cannot send enough blood to your body. In this condition, the measurement we call ejection fraction (EF) decreases, meaning the heart cannot send enough blood to the body each time it contracts.
In diastolic heart failure, your heart becomes stiff so it cannot relax enough, meaning the heart’s filling with blood is impaired. EF is usually normal here.
There are also forms of heart failure that develop on the left or right side of the heart. Left heart failure manifests with shortness of breath, while right heart failure manifests with fluid accumulation in the legs and abdomen.
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
Symptoms in heart failure usually start insidiously and increase over time. Complaints that are mild in the early period can make daily life difficult as they progress.
Shortness of breath (especially with exertion and when lying down), quick fatigue, swelling in the ankles and abdomen are the most common heart failure symptoms. Frequent urination at night, loss of appetite, dry cough, and palpitations may also accompany. Some patients may have weight gain, while others may have sudden weight loss.
Heart failure symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath (especially during exercise or while lying down)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in ankle, leg, and abdomen (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Cough (especially while lying down)
- Cough with white or pink-tinged sputum
- Concentration difficulties
- Wheezing
- Rapid weight gain
What causes heart failure?
Behind heart failure, there is usually a cause that damages your heart. If you have had a heart attack before, lived with high blood pressure for many years, or have problems with your heart valves, heart failure can develop. Additionally, arrhythmias, diabetes, heart muscle inflammation, some medications, alcohol use, and thyroid disorders can also weaken your heart. Early recognition of these causes is very important in controlling the disease.
Who develops heart failure?
Heart failure can be seen at any age, but some groups are at higher risk. If you are over 65 years old, your blood pressure has been high for a long time, you have diabetes, or you have had a heart attack before, you are also at risk. Additionally, if you smoke, are overweight, or have heart disease in your family members, you should be more careful. Knowing these risks is the first step in preventing the disease.
What are the stages of heart failure?
Heart failure is a progressive disease and deterioration in your heart’s structure can develop over time. The course of the disease is evaluated in four stages. Each stage is defined according to your heart’s condition and your complaints. While there may be no symptoms in early stages, your quality of life can be seriously affected in advanced stages. With appropriate treatment, the progression of the disease can be slowed, and in some cases, regression can be achieved.
Heart failure stage 1: High-risk period
Stage 1 includes people who are at risk of developing heart failure but have no deterioration in the heart muscle or structure. This group includes those with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and those with a family history of heart disease. There are usually no complaints. The treatment goal is to prevent heart failure from occurring by controlling risk factors.
Heart failure stage 2: Silent structural period
Stage 2 describes the period when changes in heart structure have begun but symptoms have not yet developed. People who have had heart attacks, those with heart valve disease, or those with thickening in the heart muscle fall into this group. Although heart functions are reduced, there may be no obvious complaints in daily life. Early intervention can slow the progression of the disease.
Heart failure stage 3: Symptomatic period
In stage 3, there is both deterioration in heart structure and symptoms of heart failure. Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the ankles, and increased discomfort at night are common. Difficulty in daily activities becomes apparent. Treatment involves medications, lifestyle changes, and devices such as pacemakers when necessary.
Heart failure stage 4: Advanced period
Stage 4 is the advanced heart failure period where complaints are seen even at rest. Shortness of breath, severe weakness, and frequent hospitalizations are typical. Response to standard treatments is usually insufficient. Advanced treatment options such as left ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation are evaluated. This stage requires a personalized treatment approach.
Is transition between stages possible in heart failure?
Not every patient progresses at the same rate. With appropriate drug treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up, the stage can regress in some patients. Controlling complaints increases quality of life. Early diagnosis is the most effective approach to slow stage progression.
How is heart failure diagnosed?
When your complaints take you to your doctor, the diagnostic process is usually quick and clear. Your doctor listens to you, examines you, and orders some tests. First, ECG, chest X-ray, and blood tests are performed to evaluate your heart. Some blood parameters specific to heart failure (such as BNP, NT-proBNP) help in diagnosis. One of the most important tests is heart ultrasound (echocardiography). Through this test, your heart’s pumping power and structural condition are clearly understood.
How is heart failure treated?
The aim of heart failure treatment is not only to reduce your complaints but also to stop the damage to your heart. Your treatment plan is shaped according to your age, complaints, and your heart’s condition.
The first step is usually drug treatment. Among these drugs are blood pressure lowering and heart protective drugs, diuretics, and some special heart medications. If drugs are not sufficient, special pacemakers (CRT) that support your heart or shock devices (ICD) that prevent arrhythmias may be recommended. Rarely, if heart failure is at a very advanced level, support devices, surgical interventions, or heart transplantation may come into question.
What are heart failure medications?
Medications used in heart failure aim to protect your heart, reduce your complaints, and extend your lifespan. Each drug group reduces the load on your heart through a different mechanism. Which medication you will use is determined according to the type and stage of your heart failure. These drugs are usually used together and form the basis of your treatment. The drugs used may include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), ARNI group drugs, beta blockers that control heart rate, diuretics, digoxin, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
How should nutrition be in heart failure?
Nutrition is a fundamental element in the management of heart failure. Proper nutrition reduces the heart’s load and regulates fluid balance. Salt consumption should be limited to 2-3 grams daily. Fluid intake should also be adjusted according to doctor’s recommendation. Saturated fats and sugary foods should be avoided. Balanced nutrition should be provided with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-salt foods. Alcohol should be limited, and in some patients, it may need to be completely stopped.
Is exercise beneficial in heart failure?
Properly planned exercise reduces the feeling of fatigue in patients with heart failure, increases muscle strength, and improves quality of life. It should start with light exercises such as slow-paced walking. A program that keeps pulse and blood pressure under control should be followed. The exercise plan must be created with a doctor or physiotherapist. Sudden strenuous activities should be avoided.
What can heart failure lead to?
When heart failure is not treated, it can also affect other organs in your body. Over time, arrhythmias can develop, your kidney functions can deteriorate, and frequent hospitalizations may be required. Shortness of breath can increase, and situations leading to cardiac arrest can occur. Therefore, you should take symptoms seriously and not interrupt your treatment.
How is heart failure prevented?
Heart failure is often a preventable condition. Especially if you manage risk factors well, you can be protected from this disease.
To protect yourself from heart failure, you should have your blood pressure and sugar measured regularly, definitely quit smoking, and pay attention to weight control. Additionally, adopting an active lifestyle and regulating your nutrition makes a great contribution to your heart. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, you should not neglect your regular cardiology check-ups.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you have a diagnosis of heart failure and notice a sudden worsening in your symptoms, you should consult a doctor without wasting time. Early intervention can prevent serious complications. Findings such as increased shortness of breath, sudden swelling in the feet, weight gain, palpitations, feeling of fainting, chest pain require emergency evaluation in patients with heart failure. You should also not miss your regular check-up appointments.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if heart failure progresses?
In advanced heart failure, sufficient blood cannot reach the organs in the body. Serious respiratory distress can develop as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs. The risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest increases. Hospitalization frequency increases, and quality of life deteriorates significantly.
What should patients with heart failure pay attention to?
They should use their medications regularly and not miss their check-ups. They should comply with salt and fluid restrictions and get flu and pneumonia vaccines to protect against infections. Exercise program should be in accordance with doctor’s recommendation. They should monitor fluid balance with daily weight tracking.
Does heart failure completely heal?
Heart failure is a chronic disease, but with appropriate treatment, complaints can be largely controlled. In some special cases, especially if it is due to temporary causes, heart functions can return to normal. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are the most important factors determining treatment success.
Reference: Heart Failure
