Heart failure, also known as “congestive heart failure”, occurs due to the improper functioning of the heart resulting in inadequate blood flow to the rest of the body. This
condition may develop suddenly (acute) or be ongoing (chronic) due to several reasons such as narrowed coronary arteries, long-standing untreated high blood pressure, weakened
or stiff heart muscle, or significant heart valve disease, all of which alone or in combination can cause insufficient pumping of blood from the heart to meet the body’s needs.
Our team of American and UK-trained cardiologists offers comprehensive care for common and complex cases of heart failure.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Shortness of breath with activity or when resting
- Persistent cough
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
- Very rapid weight gain
Diagnosis
There are many causes of the symptoms mentioned above, so it is not recommended to self-diagnose. Cardiologists are qualified to determine the actual cause by conducting the
following tests:
Blood tests: Blood tests can provide valuable information about heart health, such as levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and markers of inflammation or heart
damage, which may suggest heart disease risk or presence.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show the size, shape, and position of the heart, as well as the presence of congestion or fluid in the lungs, which can be indicative of
heart failure.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a simple and non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help detect abnormal heart rhythms
(arrhythmias), signs of a previous heart attack, and other heart-related abnormalities.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can provide detailed information about the structure and
function of the heart, including its chambers, valves, and pumping ability.
Stress test: Stress testing involves monitoring the heart's activity during exercise or other forms of stress, such as with a treadmill or medication that stimulates the
heart. It can help evaluate the heart's response to stress and detect signs of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan: Heart cross-sectional images are collected using this donut-shaped machine equipped with an X-ray tube attached to its inside.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A cardiac MRI involves a patient lying still inside a tube-like machine, in which radio waves create detailed images of the heart.
Coronary angiogram:
In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart arteries by a medical professional in order to inject a dye
(contrast) in order to make the arteries more visible on an X-ray. This makes it easier for the physician to detect any blockages.
Myocardial biopsy: A doctor may remove tiny pieces of the heart muscle for examination in order to determine if heart muscle disease may have contributed to heart
failure.
Treatment
We offer personalized treatment plans to meet the patient’s individual needs. Early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure are crucial for effective management. Lifestyle
changes along with medications to strengthen the heart muscle can help restore heart health, allowing the patient to lead a healthy life.
More complex or severe cases of heart failure may require surgical intervention. These may include:
- Heart transplant
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair or replacement
