Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump blood to meet the body’s needs. According to the CDC, nearly 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 have heart failure. In 2022, heart failure was listed as the cause of death on 457,212 death certificates.
A cardiologist is a medical expert in diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. They can help you maintain heart health and manage heart conditions. Let us talk about what cardiologists want you to know about heart failure.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is often mistaken for complete heart stoppage of the pumping of the heart. However, it does not mean the heart has stopped working.
Heart failure is more of a chronic condition where the heart does not work as efficiently as it should.
Heart failure has two types:
- Systolic Heart Failure: The heart muscle cannot contract properly to pump blood out.
- Diastolic Heart Failure: The heart can contract but has difficulty relaxing and filling with blood.
Common causes of heart failure disease include:
- High blood pressure.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Diabetes.
- Heart valve problems.
Known risk factors for heart failure include a person’s age, family history, and lifestyle. While heart failure is still a life-threatening condition, treatment can help people live longer.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of heart failure disease can affect one’s quality of life.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for:
- Shortness of breath during activity or rest.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Persistent coughing or wheezing.
- Swelling in feet, ankles, or legs.
- Fatigue or lightheadedness.
- Reduced ability to exercise.
Some lesser-known symptoms include:
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention.
- Loss of appetite or nausea.
- Difficulty concentrating or staying alert.
If you think you have heart failure, consult a cardiologist for comprehensive treatment.
Diagnosing and Treating Heart Failure Disease
A cardiologist may use several tests to diagnose heart failure:
- Echocardiogram: Assesses the heart’s function and structure.
- Blood Tests: Checks for substances that indicate heart stress.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
Treatment for heart failure usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be recommended to manage heart failure. These treatments aim to improve symptoms, quality of life, and prolong life.
What Cardiologists Want You to Know
Below are some of the facts cardiologists want you to know about heart failure disease:
1. Heart failure does not mean a stopped heart.
As mentioned earlier, heart failure does not mean your heart has failed to work. It is more of a disease characterized by your heart not pumping blood as it should.
With proper treatment, individuals with heart failure can continue to lead active and fulfilling lives.
2. Heart failure is not just for the elderly.
Heart failure can happen even to young people with no heart issues. Factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can contribute to heart failure. So can smoking and lack of exercise, even in younger individuals.
3. Early symptoms are crucial to recognize.
For many people, heart failure symptoms start slowly. Look out for signs like shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, and swelling in the legs. By detecting the problem early, you can avoid poor outcomes and complications.
4. Lifestyle changes are key.
Managing heart failure often requires adjustments, such as reducing salt intake, monitoring weight, and staying physically active. These changes can significantly improve your heart health.
A cardiologist can give you a lot more personalized recommendations for greater effectiveness.
5. Medication and regular check-ups are vital.
Following your prescribed treatment plan and seeing your healthcare team regularly are important to achieve your goals. Better management of heart failure can lead to reduced symptoms and a lower risk of complications.
6. Heart failure is not a death sentence.
Cardiologists, who are heart doctors, will tell you that heart failure is not a death sentence. While a serious condition, many individuals with heart failure live long, fulfilling lives. Advances in medical care and surgical procedures have dramatically improved the outlook for those with heart failure.
7. Stay informed and proactive.
Understanding your condition and actively participating in your care can make a big difference in managing heart failure effectively. There are many changes you can make to further support heart health.
Heart failure requires monitoring by a heart doctor. Consult a cardiologist to find out your treatment options and for personalized care. You can still live a long and healthy life after a heart failure diagnosis.
Top Cardiologist Near Me in West Orange, New Jersey
The cardiologists at Hudson MD Group are experts in managing heart failure. Our physicians are some of the best in the state for providing compassionate and comprehensive heart treatments. We have interventional cardiologists trained in cutting-edge interventional cardiac services to achieve life-saving results. Our cardiologists treat our patients as a whole and we make sure they have a caring healthcare team by their side.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (973) 705-4914 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to helping you live a better life through superior patient care.
