Heart Failure Specialist
When your heart muscle weakens, it can’t pump blood around your body very well, which deprives your organs of essential oxygen. If you have symptoms of heart failure, Prime Heart and Vascular’s experienced cardiovascular specialist Kiran Kumar Mangalpally, MD, can help. Get the treatment you need for your heart problem before it gets any worse by contacting one of the Prime Heart and Vascular offices.
Heart failure (also known as congestive heart failure) is a condition where your heart becomes weakened to the point where it can no longer pump blood around your body efficiently.
Your heart consists of a large muscle that contracts and releases to move blood through your arteries and veins. The arterial blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to all your organs and tissues, while the veins return the spent blood to your heart, ready for the cycle to begin again.
However, if your heart muscle is unable to contract properly, your tissues don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Blood can also form pools in your lungs, legs, arms, and digestive tract.
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
Heart failure symptoms can vary according to the cause of your condition, and some people experience few or no problems. If you do notice any symptoms, they could include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bulging neck veins
- Urinating less often
- Swollen arms, legs, or abdomen
You might also find your legs and arms feel especially cold when you stay still for a while.
What might cause heart failure?
Heart failure is commonly a result of coronary artery disease (CAD) or hypertension (high blood pressure). Other possible causes for heart failure include:
- Arrhythmia
- Valve disorders
- Structural heart abnormalities
- Tumors in the heart
- Lung disease
By determining why you have heart failure, your provider can create a treatment plan that offers you the best possible outcomes.
How is heart failure treated?
Treatment for heart failure varies depending on the underlying cause. Prime Heart and Vascular typically uses conservative measures where appropriate, such as:
Medications
There are many types of medications that can help to relieve the symptoms of heart failure. If you have edema (a buildup of fluid in your tissues), diuretics can help rid your body of excess water. Digoxin boosts your heart muscle’s ability to contract, and ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitors lower your blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes
Many heart problems can benefit from switching to healthier habits such as regular exercise, eating heart-healthy foods, managing stress, and cutting down on alcohol. If you smoke, you should quit, and if you’re overweight or obese, Prime Heart and Vascular can help with healthy weight loss.
Some patients might also require an implantable device like a pacemaker to regulate their heart function.
If you have symptoms of heart failure or any concerns about your heart health, call Prime Heart and Vascular, or book an appointment online today.
