When heart failure occurs, the heart does not stop, but rather the heart may not be pumping an adequate amount of blood. As the heart does not pump enough blood, the body may try to make up for it by holding onto salt and water, thus increasing the amount of blood in the blood stream.
The heart may also beat faster and may become enlarged. The body may do such a good enough job of compensating for heart failure that the individual may not know they have a heart problem. However, eventually the body may not be able to adequately make up for the problem and more serious health risks may arise.Common causes of heart failure may include coronary artery disease, heart attack and high blood pressure. Heart failure may also be caused by diabetes, various heart diseases, or alcohol abuse.
Initial symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue, shortness of breath upon exertion, feeling like the heart is pounding or racing and feeling weak, tired and dizzy. As heart failure progresses, the patient may begin to experience other symptoms including shortness of breath when at rest, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, weight gain, coughing and wheezing, increased urination or feeling bloated.
A doctor may perform several tests to diagnose heart failure. Blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and cardiac catherizations may be used to diagnose heart failure and determine the cause.
Several medications may be required to treat heart failure. Medications to keep heart failure from getting worse may be required, as well as medications for the symptoms of heart failure. Medications to treat whatever caused heart failure may be required as well. In some cases, surgery may be required to help the heart function properly.
Certain changes in a person's lifestyle may also be recommended. Limiting sodium intake, getting regular exercise, resting periodically throughout the day, losing weight if needed, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption may be important lifestyle changes for people with heart failure.
By www.healthnews.org
No comments:
Post a Comment