Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF), also known as congestive heart failure, is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to oxygenate the tissues in the brain and body. It is typically caused by other heart conditions that change the heart's structure and function. Heart failure is common, and is the leading cause of hospitalization for patients over age 65 in the U.S.
Heart Failure falls under theCardiovascular Healthcategory.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a progressive condition in which the heart cannot effectively fill with or pump blood. It is categorized into 4 stages; most diagnoses occur at stages C (symptomatic heart failure) or D (advanced heart failure).
Common heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, frequent urination, chest pain, swelling of the lower legs, nausea, and anxiety.
Heart failure is diagnosed based on suspected structural and functional changes to the heart, as confirmed through an echocardiogram, and characterized by laboratory tests and an electrocardiogram. It is then classified into 2 main types: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Some of the main treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction include sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and diuretics. Preserved ejection fraction treatment focuses on management of related conditions.
Supplements that have been studied for heart failure include coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, iron, L-carnitine, thiamine, and other B vitamins, though evidence of benefit is generally limited for most of these compounds.
Plant-based diets like the Mediterranean and DASH diets can help prevent heart failure in at-risk individuals, and reducing salt intake may prevent heart failure development and lower mortality in more advanced stages of the condition.
Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent heart failure, and bariatric surgery benefits individuals with severe obesity. Exercise is highly beneficial, whereas mind-body modalities are supported by weak evidence.
Chronic congestive heart failure is primarily caused by coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Other contributing factors include uncontrolled arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, heart valve diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
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