Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the single greatest risk factor for congestive heart failure. The second greatest risk factor is a previous heart attack that resulted in heart-muscle damage. Additional risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity.
Any disease that affects the myocardium can eventually lead to heart failure.
Heart failure usually develops gradually, over many years. It often begins as a mild condition and becomes more severe as the heart becomes less and less efficient.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or tiring easily
- Swelling of feet, ankles, legs or abdomen
- Persistent coughing, raspy breathing or wheezing
Your physician may recommend any or all of the following diagnostic tests:
- BNP blood test - This test checks the level of a hormone called BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) that rises in heart failure
- Cardiac blood pool scan - Using a "dye" injected into a vein, this test shows how well the heart is pumping blood.
- Cardiac catheterization and angiography - A thin flexible tube called a catheter is passed into the coronary arteries to monitor blood flow and to capture images of the arteries.
- Chest x-ray - This test can indicate an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs
- Echocardiogram - This test uses sound waves to show how well the heart walls are moving, the valves are opening and closing, and the heart is filling with blood and pumping it to the rest of the body
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - This test involves attaching (with adhesive material) small electrodes to the arm, leg and chest to measure the rate and regularity of a heartbeat and to check for heart muscle damage.
- Exercise stress test - The patient is asked to perform exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, and EKG and blood pressure readings are taken before, during and after exercise to measure changes in heartbeat and blood pressure.
- Holter monitor - Worn for 24 hours, this test provides a continuous recording of heart rhythm during normal activity
- Thyroid function test - Test for an overactive or under-active thyroid, which can cause or contribute to heart failure.
There is no cure for the most common forms of congestive heart failure, but depending on causes and severity of your condition. A combination of lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, cardiac rehabilitation, and in some cases surgery.
Lifestyle Changes - can often improve or control some of the factors contributing to heart failure, such as heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, etc.
Medications - are prescribed for heart failure, and most patients will take more than one drug. The purpose of these drugs are to dilate blood vessels, reduce water, strengthen heart's pumping action.
Medical and Surgical Procedures - may be used to treat the underlying causes of heart failure, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, stenting, etc.
Surgical Procedures - may also be used to treat heart failure, such as Ventricular Assist Devised (VADs) or heart transplant surgery.
Rehabilitation - prescribed cardiac rehabilitation "aerobic training" on exercise machines, to help you safely build a stronger cardiovascular system.
