Left-sided heart failure is the most common type. Right-sided heart failure: Here the right ventricle of the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to the lungs. This causes blood to build up in the veins (the blood vessels that carry blood from the organs and tissue back to the heart).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Diastolic heart failure is more common than systolic heart failure in elderly patients. The primary risk factor for heart failure is hypertension. The diagnosis of heart failure is primarily through clinical assessment, supplemented by ancillary testing.
More people develop chronic heart failure than acute heart failure, and around 80 percent of acute heart failure cases are people with chronic heart failure whose symptoms rapidly become worse.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the inadequate functioning of the heart muscle such that fluid builds up in the lungs, abdomen, feet, and arms (hence the term "congestive"). The condition can either be acute (meaning it occurs suddenly, with a sharp rise) or chronic (which means it occurs over the long term).
Acute heart failure is a sudden, life-threatening condition in which the heart is unable to do its job. The heart is still beating, but it cannot deliver enough oxygen to meet the body's needs. This condition requires emergency medical care.
The major difference between left-sided heart failure and right-sided heart failure is in the side of the heart that is weakened. In left-sided heart failure, the left side of the heart is weakened and results in reduced ability for the heart to pump blood into the body.
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood. This prevents organs from receiving enough oxygen. The condition can lead to complications that include right-sided heart failure and organ damage.
Left-sided CHF is the most common form of CHF and begins when the left ventricle cannot effectively pump blood throughout the body. Eventually, this can lead to fluid retention, particularly around the lungs.
Symptoms can develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure).
What is the first drug of choice for heart failure? Healthcare providers often prescribe ACE inhibitors and beta blockers as first-line treatments. These drugs are especially helpful for people who have a reduced ejection fraction.
Over the years, research has found that both numbers are equally important in monitoring heart health. However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures.
However, life expectancy for a person with CHF has substantially improved over time. A person's age at diagnosis may impact prognosis. The authors report that the 5-year survival rate for people under 65 years of age was around 79%, while the rate was about 50% for those 75 and over.
It is possible to lead a normal life, even if you have Heart Failure. Understanding and taking control of Heart Failure is the key to success. Your doctor and healthcare providers will provide guidelines and a treatment plan. It is your responsibility to follow the treatment plan and manage your Heart Failure.
Signs and Symptoms
Left-sided heart failure symptoms include: Awakening at night with shortness of breath. Shortness of breath during exercise or when lying flat. Chronic coughing or wheezing.
Left-sided heart failure: The left ventricle of the heart no longer pumps enough blood around the body. As a result, blood builds up in the pulmonary veins (the blood vessels that carry blood away from the lungs). This causes shortness of breath, trouble breathing or coughing – especially during physical activity.
In general, about half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive 5 years. About 30% will survive for 10 years. In patients who receive a heart transplant, about 21% of patients are alive 20 years later.
On physical exam, the most common signs encountered are: Rales on lung auscultation indicative of pulmonary edema. Decreased breath sounds on lung auscultation suggestive of pleural effusion. S3 gallop on heart auscultation indicative of elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.
Heart failure has no cure. But treatment can help you live a longer, more active life with fewer symptoms. Treatment depends on the type of heart failure you have and how serious it is.
For most people, heart failure is a long-term condition that can't be cured. But treatment can help keep the symptoms under control, possibly for many years. The main treatments are: healthy lifestyle changes.
Stage 2 of Congestive Heart Failure
Stage two of congestive heart failure will produce symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations after you participate in physical activity.
Little robust evidence exists regarding the optimal blood pressure target for patients with heart failure, but a value near 130/80 mmHg seems to be adequate according to the current guidelines.
These are the common symptoms of end-stage heart failure: pain. breathlessness on minimal exertion or at rest. persistent cough.