Heart failure: what is it?
Heart failure is a serious health problem that occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the oxygen requirements of the body. Gradually, people who are living out of breath and tire more easily.
It usually occurs in individuals whose health is weakened for several years by cardiac or respiratory disorders, or hypertension.
Heart failure is more frequent than before. This is one consequence of successful treatment against heart disease. There is however no reliable statistics on its prevalence. This is a major cause of mortality among the elderly. Indeed, the survival rate five years after diagnosis is about 50% 1.
Causes
Heart failure occurs when the heart has much more force to expel blood into the arteries, or that it fills less blood because it has stiffened. Each contraction of the heart is therefore less effective. The blood takes longer to pass through the arteries and tends to stagnate in the veins. Because of this congestion of blood in the veins it is called heart failure “congestive”.
Depending on the cause, the right or left ventricle of the heart will be affected.
* Left heart failure. Fluid accumulates in tissues and are concentrated mainly in the lungs, breathing difficulties are marked (breathlessness, wheezing, etc..). Hypertension untreated or inadequately treated for many years and coronary artery disease (a heart weakened by attacks of angina pectoris or myocardial infarction) are the main culprits.
* Congestive heart failure right. This time, the accumulation of fluid is localized mainly in the legs and ankles, causing their swelling. This is especially lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema or pulmonary embolism who are at the origin. It can also occur as a result of left heart failure, which ultimately disrupt the respiratory functions.
Possible Complications
They vary according to the health of the person’s age, cause of heart failure and its severity.
Untreated heart failure can quickly lead to serious complications. The accumulation of fluid in the legs may damage the skin and underlying tissues. The risk of cardiac arrhythmia may be increased, as did a blood clot forms in the veins and obstructs the pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism). Pulmonary edema in clogging the lungs, can be fatal. Finally, heart failure, if untreated, is likely to damage the liver and kidneys: vital organs.
Symptoms of heart failure
* A constant fatigue.
* Shortness of breath caused by work less and less important.
* A short breath and wheezing. Breathing difficulty is accentuated in the supine position.
* Weight gain due to fluid retention (ranging from a few kilograms to more than ten pounds).
* Cough as accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Particulars of the left heart failure
* Difficulty breathing pronounced, given the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Particulars of right heart failure
* Swelling of legs and ankles.
* A swollen belly.
* A feeling of heaviness more pronounced.
* Digestive problems and liver damage.
Medical treatment of heart failure
In cases of acute crisis, marked by difficulty in breathing or severe pain to the lungs, contact emergency services as soon as possible. Meanwhile relief, install the seated person and give him nitroglycerine (previously specified). This fast-acting medication dilates the arteries of the heart. The acute attacks occur mostly at night.
When the cause is treatable, we must first tackle. For example, repair or replace a heart valve can stop heart failure.
When the cause is not treatable, treatment aimed at relieving symptoms. It is quite possible to regain a quality of life and slow disease progression. With new treatments, it is sometimes possible to regress the disease.
Importantly, more disease is diagnosed early, treatment is more effective. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Of heart failure clinics attached to hospitals offer a therapeutic monitoring and full information. One can obtain the services of several players: cardiologist, nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, physiotherapist and social worker.
Drugs
For most people, it will be necessary to take medication. Often, three or four types of drugs are combined to obtain optimal results. Their work is complementary: some, for example, help to strengthen the heart, others to reduce water retention.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme angiotensinogen (ACEI). Their vasodilatory (which increases the opening of the arteries) has the effect of lowering blood pressure and reduce the effort required of the heart. In addition, they reduce the retention of water and salts by the kidneys. ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor substance (which reduces the opening of the arteries) which increases blood pressure. These drugs cause an irritating cough in about 10% of its users. Examples include lisinopril, captopril and enalapril.
Receptor blockers angiotensin II. These drugs block the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II by preventing it from binding to its site of action. Their effect is similar to that of ACE inhibitors. Examples include losartan and valsartan.
Blockers. These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat hypertension (eg, carvedilol and metoprolol). They reduce the frequency of heartbeat and allow greater contraction of the heart.
Diuretics. Mostly used to treat hypertension, diuretics increase the volume of urine. They help eliminate excess fluid that accumulates in the lungs or limbs. The most commonly used are furosemide and bumetanide. These cons by diuretics cause loss of minerals like potassium and magnesium. Taking supplements is justified in some cases, depending on the results obtained during blood tests.
Aldosterone antagonists. This type of drug has a diuretic effect, but does not cause potassium loss (a potassium-sparing diuretic). They regulate the heartbeat. Spironolactone is an example. Aldosterone is a substance produced by the adrenal glands which increases blood pressure. This type of drug is particularly effective in cases of severe heart failure.
Digoxin. Its tonic effect on the heart can achieve more effective cardiac contractions. It modifies the ion exchange in cardiac muscle cells. Moreover, it slows and regulates the heartbeat. Digoxin is extracted from foxglove, a plant herb.
Tags: Medical treatment of heart failure, Particulars of right heart failure, Particulars of the left heart failure, respiratory disorders, Symptoms of heart failure
