Understanding Heart Failure Diagnosis and Symptoms

Heart failure is a condition when the heart muscle becomes so weak that it can not pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure. The occurrence of heart failure is usually triggered by health problems, such as:

• Coronary heart disease.
• Heart rhythm disorders.
• Cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disorders.
• Damage to the heart valves.
• Hypertension or high blood pressure.
• Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland.
• Anemia or lack of red blood cells.
• Myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Heart defects at birth.
• Diabetes.

There are three types of heart failure, including:

• Heart failure is caused by damage to the heart valves.
• Heart failure is caused by a weakening of the heart chamber or left ventricle in charge of pumping blood throughout the body.
• Heart failure is caused by the rigidity of the left ventricle so hard heart fills with blood.

Symptoms of heart failure

Based on the time span of the development of symptoms, heart failure is divided into two, namely chronic and acute. In chronic heart failure, symptoms develop gradually and old. While in acute heart failure, symptoms develop quickly. Someone who develop acute heart failure should receive treatment in hospital. The main symptoms of heart failure are:

• Hard to breathe.
• The body feels tired.
• Swelling of the ankles.

Diagnosis of heart failure

There are several tests that can be performed to diagnose heart failure, among which is an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and blood tests.

These tests are important to do. Besides being able to help physicians determine the level of the patient's cardiac function, through tests of this type of heart failure in patients can also be known so as to facilitate the physician in determining appropriate treatment measures.

Treatment of heart failure

A person with heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, but his heart pump power is becoming weaker. Therefore those who have this condition requires treatment in order to keep the heart functioning properly.

In most cases, heart failure is a life-long condition that is not treatable. Therefore, in such cases, effective treatment consisting of a combination of drugs, equipment supporting the heart, surgery needs to be done. A healthy lifestyle is also important to be lived by the patient.

The effectiveness of treatment of heart failure not only the duty doctor, but must also be supported by the cooperation of the patient. This treatment aims to:

• Relieves symptoms of heart failure.
• Help your heart stronger.
• Allows the patient to live longer normal.
• Lowers the risk of heart attack and death.

Prevention of heart failure

Here are some things you can do to prevent heart failure, among others:

• Eating healthy foods that contain enough iron and avoid excessive salt intake. Aside from foods such as spinach, iron also can get from a supplement.
• Maintain weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Limiting consumption of liquor.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure in healthy limit.

Diagnosis of Heart Failure
 
In diagnosing heart failure, first the doctor will ask the patient perceived symptoms and medical history. For example, if a patient has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, heart valve damage, or coronary heart disease. The doctor will also ask whether the patient is a smoker, like liquor, or are taking certain medications.

After the information obtained, then the doctor will usually perform a physical examination, one is to listen to the patient's heartbeat. If a patient suspected of suffering from heart failure, a number of tests to be recommended, including:

• Blood tests. Through a blood test, the doctor can tell if there is a problem in thyroid function and kidney patients, as well as indications of other diseases that may affect the heart, such as diabetes or anemia. Additionally, through a blood test, the doctor can also determine the levels of chemicals in the body associated with heart conditions. These chemicals are called natriuretic peptide. If the heart is burdened, then this organ will natriuretic peptide release into the blood. The higher levels of these substances, then it means worsening heart health.
• Echocardiogram. This is one important test performed in the diagnosis of heart failure. Echocardiogram done using ultrasound waves to detect the performance of cardiac function and if there is damage to the heart, for example, a problem with the valve.
• Exercise stress test. This test was conducted to determine how well the heart functions when the body strenuous activity. In the stress tests, the patient's heartbeat will be improved, for example with drugs that are injected or sports equipment. Through the test pressure, the doctor can determine whether the patient's body may respond well when the heart back downhill or whether patients with coronary artery disease. Test pressure is usually combined with an echocardiogram so the doctor can see the state of the heart during the test.
• Breath test. If a patient experiences shortness of breath, these tests may be conducted. Patients will be asked to inhale and exhale into a special tube. Later from these tests can be known whether the patient has problems in his lungs as a symptom of heart failure.
• X-ray examination. In patients with heart failure, they enlarged heart size and buildup of fluid in the lungs. X-rays through the situation can be seen.

Other diagnostic techniques are tests electrocardiogram and echocardiography echocardiography. Electrocardiogram test can help doctors determine the underlying problem of heart failure, such as heart rhythm disorders or damage to these organs from a heart attack.

In tests electrocardiogram, heart's electrical activity is recorded through electrodes placed on the skin of the patient. While echocardiography echocardiography aims to determine in more detail the structure of the heart. In this examination, a small hose that is equipped with ultrasound device in the end will be inserted into the esophagus.

Symptoms of Heart Failure
 
Heart failure can cause the heart rate of patients being faster or even irregular. This disease can also make the blood supply to the kidneys become less resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the body of the sufferer. Such a condition can cause symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the ankles, legs, and stomach.
• Increased frequency of urination at night.
• Weight gain.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath and a dry cough.

In addition to the kidneys, heart failure also makes the blood supply to the muscles and other vital organs is reduced. This can make the patient experience:

• Weak.
• Tired.
• Dizzy.

Shortness of breath from heart failure are usually felt when the patient is lying flat. Some of them also which sleep at night be disrupted due to severe shortness of breath, so they have to sit or stand up in order to breathe the air. As for the symptoms of leg swelling, usually subside in the morning, but returned to deteriorate during the day.

Symptoms of heart failure may be different in each patient. Consult your doctor if feeling the symptoms of heart failure. For those who already suffer from this disease, immediately consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen existing or other symptoms develop. This is a sign that the treatment has been done has not been successful.

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