Heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood as effectively as it should to meet the body’s needs. This doesn’t mean the heart has completely stopped working, but rather that it’s become too weak or stiff to function properly. As a result, vital organs may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, leading to symptoms like tiredness, difficulty breathing, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and reduced ability to perform everyday activities.
There are several forms of heart failure, often categorized based on which side of the heart is affected and how well the heart is pumping. Left-sided heart failure is the most common and includes two main types: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where the heart muscle’s pumping ability is weakened, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where the heart pumps normally but cannot relax and fill properly. Right-sided heart failure often develops as a consequence of left-sided failure and can cause fluid buildup in the veins, leading to swelling, especially in the legs and ankles.
Heart failure can develop over time due to underlying conditions like high blood pressure, blocked coronaryarteries, or diabetes, but it may also occur suddenly after a heart attack or serious illness. To diagnose heart failure, doctors may use a combination of physical exams, blood tests (such as BNP), heart imaging like echocardiograms, and stress tests.
Although heart failure is a serious condition, there are a variety of treatments available to help control symptoms and improve daily life. These include changes in lifestyle such as reducing salt intake, staying physically active, and taking prescribed medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. In more advanced cases, medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators may be recommended, and in severe situations, a heart transplant could be necessary.
Managing heart failure effectively requires early detection, consistent treatment, and regular medical follow-up to help slow disease progression and avoid complications.