Heart Failure

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can affect both the heart's ability to fill with blood and pump blood out.

Types of heart failure

Systolic heart failure (HFrEF):

• Heart muscle is weakened
• Heart cannot pump blood effectively
• More common type

Diastolic heart failure (HFpEF):

• Heart muscle is stiff
• Heart cannot fill properly
• More common in women and older adults

Symptoms of heart failure

Early symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath during exertion
• Swollen legs and feet
• Weight gain due to fluid retention

More serious symptoms:

• Shortness of breath at rest
• Nighttime coughing
• Difficulty lying flat
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain

Causes of heart failure

Heart-related causes:

• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart muscle inflammation
• Heart valve problems
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy

Other causes:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain medications
• Infections
• Genetic factors

Risk factors

Modifiable risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Stress

Non-modifiable risk factors:

• Age (increases with age)
• Gender (men have higher risk)
• Genetics
• Previous heart problems

Diagnosis

Tests:

• Echocardiogram
• ECG
• Blood tests (BNP/NT-proBNP)
• Chest X-ray
• Catheterization
• Heart MRI

Treatment of heart failure

Lifestyle changes:

• Limit salt intake
• Limit fluid intake
• Regular exercise (as advised by doctor)
• Weight control
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol

Medical treatment:

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Aldosterone antagonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• Digoxin

Advanced treatment:

• Pacemaker
• ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)
• Heart pump (VAD)
• Heart transplantation

Complications

Possible complications:

• Arrhythmia
• Stroke
• Kidney problems
• Liver failure
• Lung problems
• Sudden cardiac death

When should I seek care?

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe fatigue
• Rapid weight gain
• Worsening swollen legs

How Min Hälsa can help

We can help you with:

• Assessment of heart-related symptoms
• Referral to cardiologist
• Advice on lifestyle changes
• Follow-up of heart failure
• Support for medication management
• Advice on salt and fluid intake