Heart failure refers to a condition where the heart is not able to provide sufficient oxygenated blood to all parts of the body, resulting in the shutdown of various systems. This may sometimes occur without any notice, but most often than not, it is known to be a long lasting chronic condition. This article focuses on the basics about chronic heart failure.
Most cases of heart failure tend to be chronic. While genetic conditions, heart problems, poor diet, and lack of exercise attribute to heart failure, one of the major factors responsible for the condition is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a disease in which one of the blood vessels which supplies oxygen and blood to the heart becomes narrow, reducing supply to the heart.
In chronic heart failure, the symptoms can appear very mild and even insignificant in the beginning. Only with progressive damage will the symptoms become very serious. Common symptoms of chronic heart failure are
Chronic heart failure usually worsens over time. The ability of the heart muscle to pump blood for the body's needs will only decrease. However, this does not mean that there is nothing you can do. These are some things that will help treat heart failure and help increase quality of life.
Heart failure can be a result of many diseases and conditions which lower the pumping ability of the myocardium (heart muscle). Some conditions result in death of cardiac muscle, increased load on the heart and even stiffening of the heart muscles. Over time, this will result in the following problems leading to heart failure.
Chronic heart failure is usually treated with medication, altering lifestyle and surgery. These are some of the treatment options for heart failure.
Surgery is usually the last resort and usually improves the condition of the patient by a great extent. Here are some of the surgical procedures done to treat chronic heart failure.
Chronic heart failure is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Early detection can help prevent some of the serious problems associated with this disease. If you suspect that you may have some of the symptoms, check with your cardiologist as he will be able to guide you on the right path towards good health.
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