Heart Failure Specialist

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, is a condition that occurs when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it’s supposed to. Because of this, blood can back up and fluid may build up in your lungs. If your heart doesn't function properly and you don’t seek treatment, heart failure can be deadly.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Common signs and symptoms associated with heart failure include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Feet, ankle, leg, or abdominal swelling
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Wheezing
• Persistent coughing with mucus
• Nausea
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid weight gain from fluid
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decreased alertness
• Chest pain

Complications that may occur because of untreated heart failure include kidney failure, liver damage, heart-valve issues, or problems with your heart’s rhythm.

What are the risk factors for heart failure?

Factors that increase your risk of heart failure include:

• Heart valve disease
• Heart attacks
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Irregular heartbeats
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Congenital heart disease
• Some medications
• Tobacco use
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol use
• Viral infections
• Body weight challenges

To reduce the chance of heart failure, adopt healthy habits. Don't smoke, take medications as directed by your doctor, properly manage any chronic diseases, and keep stress levels low. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, and maintain a healthy body weight. 

How does my provider diagnose heart failure?

The experts at SWICFT Cardiology use a variety of methods to diagnose heart failure. They check your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs and review your medical history. Your specialist also completes a physical exam, listens to your lungs, and orders blood tests.

Other diagnostic tests your cardiologist could recommend include chest X-rays, echocardiograms, or electrocardiograms (EKGs). They may suggest CT scans, MRIs, stress tests, coronary angiograms, or heart muscle biopsies.

How is heart failure treated?

Common treatments for heart failure include:

Lifestyle changes

Your cardiologist lets you know how to alter your lifestyle to manage heart failure. Examples include eating less sodium, not smoking, maintaining an ideal body weight, and eating nutritious foods. Limit alcohol or total fluids in some cases.

Stay active, check your feet and ankles for swelling daily, and weigh yourself every day to check for fluid buildup. Call the SWICFT office right away if you notice new or unusual symptoms. 

Medications

Your cardiologist lets you know which medications to take to reduce the risk of complications associated with heart failure. Take all medicines exactly as directed by your doctor.

Medical procedures

You may need a medical procedure to treat complications caused by heart failure. Examples include ventricular-assist devices, coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Other options include a biventricular pacemaker that sends electrical signals to your heart.

If you have heart failure, contact the experts at SWICFT Cardiology. Call the office or use the online booking tool today.