In which condition heart is unable to pump blood to body tissues sufficiently?
While the term “heart failure” (also known as congestive heart failure) may sound like the heart has stopped working, that isn’t actually the case. It still pumps, just inefficiently. Show
As a result, there’s a reduction in blood flow to the body and a backup (congestion) of fluid into the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower extremities. Heart failure is a serious condition that is often the end stage or final outcome of certain cardiovascular conditions, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). While there’s no cure for heart failure, medication and healthy lifestyle changes can help manage the condition and allow people to maintain a good quality of life. What happens to the body during heart failure? Heart failure occurs when the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. Congestive heart failure is when there’s a reduction in blood flow and a backup of fluid into the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower extremities. But not all heart failure is congestive. Shortness of breath or weakness due to heart failure may occur without any fluid buildup. What is the life expectancy of someone with heart failure? Life expectancy with heart failure depends on several factors, including the person’s age and the cause of the condition. Still, about half of people who develop heart failure will die within five years of the diagnosis, according to the American Heart Association. What are the symptoms of heart failure? Heart failure cannot be linked to one symptom; rather, it includes a combination of symptoms. To help identify the signs of heart failure, the Heart Failure Society of America developed the acronym FACES to use as a guide: If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor. Can heart failure be treated? There is no cure for heart failure. However, lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. These include maintaining a heart-healthy diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol, limiting fluids, and exercising. Prescription drugs may be needed to decrease symptoms and improve heart function. Surgery may sometimes be necessary.
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During heart failure, the body tries to compensate for reduced blood flow in other ways, including:
These compensations may mask heart failure temporarily, but eventually heart failure gets worse, and people start to experience symptoms. Some of the signs of heart failure can seem similar to those of normal aging and can be easy to ignore. That may explain why it takes some people years to realize that they have heart failure, notes the AHA. Heart failure has a combination of symptoms, rather than just one. To help identify the signs of heart failure, the Heart Failure Society of America developed the acronym FACES to use as a guide:
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According to the AHA, the following conditions can cause heart failure, yet many people aren’t aware that they have them:
Risk Factors for Heart FailureHaving any of the following conditions can increase your risk of heart failure, per the Mayo Clinic:
New Moms and Heart Failure RiskA study published in 2018 found that women are most at risk for heart failure in the first six weeks after delivery, also known as the postpartum period. The research supports the notion that at-risk women need closer observation during that time period. The researchers also say that because many women are discharged from hospital care just a couple of days after giving birth and aren’t given a follow-up appointment until about six weeks later, the way doctors regard women who might be at risk of heart failure needs to change. They call for comprehensive postpartum discharge health education, with emphasis on signs and symptoms to look for and when or where to seek immediate care.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of congestive heart failure, speak to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will take a full medical history and perform a physical examination. Using a stethoscope, a physician can listen for signs of congestion in your lungs and may also be able to pick up abnormalities in the sound of your heartbeat that can suggest heart failure. After the physical exam, there are a number of tests that can help confirm a diagnosis of heart failure, including a stress test, chest X-rays, blood work, and an echocardiogram, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prognosis of Congestive Heart FailureYour life expectancy after heart failure depends on the cause of your condition, as well as other factors, including age. Still, about half of people who develop heart failure die within five years of diagnosis, according to the Heart Failure Society of America.
Heart failure is a chronic condition, and there is no cure. However, once you’ve been diagnosed, there are several things you can do to treat the condition and manage it so that it does not progress. Chief among them are lifestyle changes. That includes exercising and maintaining a heart-healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol. Medication OptionsYou may also be prescribed drugs to decrease symptoms and improve heart function. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can include:
Surgery for Heart FailureIf your doctor determines that the underlying cause of your heart failure can’t be adequately treated with medication and lifestyle changes, surgery may be necessary. According to the Mayo Clinic, these procedures may include:
Prevention of Congestive Heart FailureThe best way to prevent heart failure is to control your risk factors. The good news is that you can reduce or eliminate many of the risk factors that lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes and adhering to any medication your doctor prescribes can go a long way in preventing heart failure. Per the Mayo Clinic, these lifestyle changes include:
According to the Mayo Clinic, heart failure can lead to a number of complications that can influence a person’s chance of survival, including:
Approximately 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s more, the AHA estimates that by 2030, more than eight million Americans will have heart failure.
Black Americans have a higher risk of congestive heart failure than white Americans do, according to an article published in 2018. And a 2020 study found that non-Hispanic Black Americans ages 35 to 64 had a prevalence of heart failure almost three times that of their white counterparts. The Black community as a whole has a higher rate of heart disease, as well as a higher rate of many of the main risk factors for heart disease and heart failure, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. While there is no one-size-fits all explanation for this increased risk, researchers believe a combination of socioeconomic factors, environment, education, stress levels, and culture are all at play, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center. Research suggests that Hispanic Americans also have a greater risk of heart failure. A study published in 2016 found that about half of the middle-aged Hispanic adult participants had heart problems that could lead to heart failure. However, fewer than 1 in 20 participants knew they had a health issue. The researchers found these individuals also had higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Edema and Heart FailureEdema is swelling that is caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissue. The condition often occurs as the result of congestive heart failure. It can also be the result of medication, pregnancy, or another underlying condition, such as kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver. Signs that you have edema include:
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms along with shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, says the Mayo Clinic. Sleep Apnea and Heart FailureSleep apnea is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder that affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States, according to an article published in 2016. People who have sleep apnea experience interruptions in breathing that can last 10 seconds or more and occur repeatedly throughout the night, as many as 30 times or more in the span of an hour. This chronic disruption of the normal sleep cycle can leave individuals with the condition feeling exhausted and sleepy during the day, and it will put them at an increased risk of health problems associated with inadequate sleep, including irritability, problems with memory or concentration, anxiety, and depression. Sleep apnea is commonly found in people with heart failure. Heart failure can cause retention of sodium and water, and doctors suspect that the excess fluid may enter the lungs at night and lead to obstructive apnea. Heart failure also seems to be linked to problems with the respiratory control system, which may be a cause of central sleep apnea, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Our Favorite Organizations for Essential Congestive Heart Failure InformationAmerican Heart Association This is the leading heart disease organization in the United States. Their online resources on heart failure offer clear explanations of the condition for both patients and family members, as well as links to many other tools and resources. You can also get information through your local AHA office and learn about volunteer opportunities. Heart Failure Society of America The website for this society, which is made up of researchers, clinicians, and trainees, discusses new treatments and research results in their field. The site also provides valuable information for people living with a heart condition. You can learn facts about heart failure, as well as find out about apps and podcasts to help you better manage the condition. CardioSmart The American College of Cardiology’s website is full of resources for patient education and empowerment. Check out basics about heart conditions, drugs and treatments, and news and events. By creating a profile, you can sign up to receive personalized newsletters and discussion guides to bring with you to your next doctor appointment. Our Favorite Apps and GadgetsH20 Overload This app can help you to keep track of your liquid intake to avoid excess fluid buildup, which can lead to complications. You can also track your weight, since sudden increases in weight can be due to water retention. Another great thing about this app is that it alerts you if your blood pressure or weight gets high enough that you should tell your doctor. It also allows you to send reports on your fluid intake and weight to your healthcare provider. Heart Failure Health Storylines This app, developed in partnership with the Heart Failure Society of America, is your one-stop shop for recording symptoms, vital signs, and medications to help you manage congestive heart failure. You can also track your information and keep a journal to maintain wellness and emotional health. Our Favorite Online Support GroupsTogether in HF Sponsored by the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, this online support community for anyone who has been affected by heart failure allows you to connect with others and to hear from real medical experts. There is also a resource section that has information on things like low-salt cookbooks and patient tips for getting through the holidays. American Heart Association Support Network This network has tracks for various heart conditions, where you can post questions, share your story, and learn more about your condition. Once you sign up to become a part of the community, you will receive personalized content based on your condition and concerns. Our Favorite Website Offering Lifestyle Advice for People Living With Heart FailureUCSF Health The University of California San Francisco Medical Center has a page devoted to diet and congestive heart failure. You can learn more about how to reduce your salt intake, as well as get tips on eating out and preparing meals. Additional reporting by Ashley Welch
Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Heart Health Newsletter!Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the and . The Latest in Heart FailureIn many cases, it's possible to slow the progression of heart failure and dramatically improve symptoms. Here's what you should know about the various... Experts Debunk Myths About Alternative Medicine for Heart Disease, Heart FailureAt the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022, panelists discussed myths and misperceptions around taking alternative medicines for heart... By Don RaufNovember 14, 2022Drinking Water Could Help Prevent Heart Failure Years From NowGood hydration may prevent or slow down changes in the heart that lead to the condition. By Jordan M. DavidsonOctober 25, 2022Black Patients Still Have Less Access to Advanced Heart Failure CareWhite adults with heart failure are twice as likely as Black patients to receive mechanical heart pumps or transplants, a new study found. By Lisa RapaportOctober 24, 2022Sleep Problems Related to Heart Failure and How to Manage ThemIf you have heart failure, you may feel weak and fatigued during the day. The illness can also affect you during the night. Here’s what to do about it... By Rita ColoritoSeptember 23, 2022Edema: Symptoms, Causes, TreatmentsBy Ashley WelchAugust 8, 2022Common Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure and How It’s DiagnosedThe signs of heart failure can mimic those of other conditions. Find out more. By Cathy CassataJuly 31, 2022What You Need to Know About Heart Failure TreatmentThere are several lifestyle changes, as well as drugs and surgeries, that can help people diagnosed with heart failure. By Cathy CassataApril 4, 2022New Heart Failure Guidelines Add 4th Drug to Treatment RegimenSome heart failure patients may benefit from taking pills known as SGLT2 inhibitors, which are currently approved for type 2 diabetes, according to the... By Lisa RapaportApril 4, 2022Black Women With History of Hypertension Have Higher Post-Pregnancy Heart Failure RiskWomen who have high blood pressure before or during pregnancy have an increased risk of heart failure for at least five years after delivery, and a new... What is it when the heart Cannot pump enough blood to the body?Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
What is the condition of the heart unable to pump any blood and so is a major cause of death from heart attack in adults?A myocardial infarction (commonly called a heart attack) is an extremely dangerous condition that happens because of a lack of blood flow to your heart muscle. The lack of blood flow can occur because of many different factors but is usually related to a blockage in one or more of your heart's arteries.
When the heart is unable to pump adequate blood to the heart the body Cannot meet its needs and as a result the individual experiences?Heart failure is the inability of the heart to provide sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body for oxygenated blood during regular activity or to do so only with elevated pressures within the heart (Arena et al., 2007; Colucci and Braunwald, 1995).
What condition follows when the heart is unable to provide sufficient blood to the organs and tissues?Angina, a symptom of coronary artery disease, is chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest. The pain also may occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It may feel like indigestion.
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