Affecting roughly 6.7 million Americans in the U.S., heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital organs. However, there’s hope for healing your heart — there are certain cases where heart failure is reversible, and our experts are here to help.
Read on to learn more about heart failure, including what causes it, how it can be prevented and what it takes to reverse it.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Many factors could lead to heart failure, but they generally are broken down into two categories: ischemic and non-ischemic causes.
Ischemic causes refer to a lack of blood flow to the heart caused by coronary artery disease. In this case, blockages, known as plaque, form in the coronary arteries and often result in a heart attack.
Non-ischemic causes of heart failure include:
- Aortic stenosis
- Arrhythmias
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the heart
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Thyroid disease
With today’s advanced surgical options and medications, heart failure is reversible in some cases. However, it’s vital that you seek medical attention immediately if you suspect heart failure.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Recognizing the symptoms of heart failure can make all the difference in leading a healthy life. A baseline understanding of what to look out for will serve you well. Common symptoms of heart failure include:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and lack of appetite
- Persistent cough
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Rapid weight gain
- Shortness of breath when at rest
- Sudden weight changes
- Wheezing
It’s important to note that underlying causes can also lead to heart failure. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Visit your nearest emergency room immediately if you suspect your heart isn’t functioning as it should. The best way to manage heart conditions is to catch them early when they’re most treatable.
Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure
Prevention is the best medicine for keeping your heart beating strong. The sooner you seek help, the higher your chances are of reversing your heart failure. The longer your heart goes untreated, the more damage is being done, making it more difficult to reverse.
Treatments That Can Help Reverse Heart Failure
Each heart failure diagnosis can be different in severity, leading to different treatment options. Once diagnosed with stage D heart failure, it’s unlikely it can be reversed. However, for those who catch it early, treatment that can lead to reversing heart failure includes:
- Addressing contributing factors, like excessive drinking or smoking
- Incorporating exercise
- Other lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet
- Treating underlying causes, like high blood pressure and thyroid disease
For those with more advanced conditions, treatment for heart failure may include:
- Implantable medical devices
- Heart transplant
- Medications like ACE inhibitors and beta blockers
It’s important that you speak to your primary care provider or cardiologist about which treatment plan is right for you.
We’re Here to Help Steady Your Heart
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Visit us here to learn more about our heart and vascular care services or to find a cardiologist near you. We know many emotions rise when it comes to matters of the heart, but no matter what conditions you may face, we’ll be with you at every step.
