Heart Failure Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment

Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. This can happen when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, making it harder for the heart to fill with blood or pump it out effectively. As a result, blood and fluid can back up into the lungs, abdomen and other parts of the body, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and fluid retention.

Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is not working as it should. Conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or a heart attack can lead to heart failure. There are different types of heart failure, including left-sided heart failure, right-sided heart failure, and congestive heart failure, depending on which part of the heart is affected.

Despite its name, chronic heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart isn’t working — it just means your heart is working harder to pump blood throughout your body. It’s a serious condition and requires expert care, but with timely treatment and heart-healthy lifestyle changes, you can give your heart the support it needs.

Take the time to know your risk factors, including:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart failure
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Certain medications and medical conditions
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices

You may have a higher risk of developing heart failure if you have a history of heart disease, heart attacks, kidney disease or high blood pressure (hypertension). Your physicians can help you understand your risk, make lifestyle changes and closely monitor your wellness. They’ll also watch for signs of dilated cardiomyopathy, a common cause of heart failure that happens when the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) becomes enlarged.

If you experience two or more of these common symptoms of heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, schedule an appointment with your doctor:

• Appetite loss or nausea
• Bloated stomach or weight gain
• Congested lungs
• Decreased alertness or difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness or faintness
• Fatigue, weakness or lightheadedness
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen legs, ankles or feet

When something feels wrong, and you don’t know why, it can throw everything in your life off balance. We can help you find your way forward. With answers come treatment, so the sooner you come in for testing, the sooner we can help you feel more like yourself again.

A heart failure diagnosis can be the first step toward better heart health. Our nutritionists and fitness experts partner with you to devise a diet low in sodium and an exercise plan that’s good for your heart. Our team can also offer guidance and support to help you take charge of your health by learning how to manage your stress, lose weight or quit smoking.

Within our connected network of care, we’re equipped with the latest technology to diagnose heart failure, follow your progress and make sure you’re receiving the treatment you need, including:

• Blood Tests (BNP or NT-proBNP): These tests measure protein levels that rise when the heart is stressed, signaling potential heart failure
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A cardiac MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and can show damage or abnormalities
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray takes an image of the heart and lungs to look for an enlarged heart or fluid buildup, which are signs of heart failure
• Coronary Angiogram: This X-ray test uses dye to view the heart’s blood vessels, helping identify blockages that could reduce blood flow and cause heart failure
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test shows the heart’s size, shape and movement, allowing doctors to see how well the heart pumps blood
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity to check for irregular heart rhythms and arrhythmias, helping detect signs of heart strain or damage
• Stress Test: A stress test monitors heart rate during exercise to check for reduced blood flow or other issues that could lead to heart failure

Types of heart failure can vary in cause and area and can include the following:

Congestive Heart Failure

This term is often used to describe heart failure when it involves fluid buildup, or “congestion,” in various parts of the body. Both left- and right-sided heart failure can lead to congestion, resulting in swelling, shortness of breath, and weight gain.

Diastolic vs. Systolic Heart Failure

Diastolic Heart Failure, also known as HFpEF, occurs when the heart muscle is stiff and doesn’t relax properly, limiting blood flow into the heart.

Systolic Heart Failure: Also known as HFrEF, where the heart muscle weakens and can’t contract effectively, so less blood is pumped out of the heart.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

This is the most common type, and it occurs when the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) can’t effectively pump blood to the rest of the body. Fluid buildup in the lungs causes shortness of breath and fatigue.

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): The left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally, so it pumps less blood with each beat.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): The left ventricle can’t relax properly between beats, leading to less blood filling the chamber.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

This occurs when the right ventricle has trouble pumping blood to the lungs. It often results from left-sided heart failure, which increases pressure in the lungs and strains the right side of the heart. This causes fluid buildup in the lower body, such as the legs, abdomen, and liver.

Each type of heart failure requires specific management based on how it affects the heart’s function and the patient’s symptoms.