Informative Essay On Heart Failure

Words: 1179
Pages: 5

Heart failure
What is heat failure?
Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disease characterized by an impaired ability of the heart to adequately supply blood to other organs in the body. The most common cause of heart failure is a heart attack (ischemic cardiomyopathy), but there are a host of other conditions that can lead to heart failure, including high blood pressure and chronic alcohol use.
Patients may experience difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and swelling in the legs – but one of the most dreadful complications of heart failure is death.
It is important for patients to recognize the symptoms, causes, and treatment of heart failure due to the serious nature of this condition. By the end of this article you will know the answers to these important questions:
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This may include a left ventricular assist device, which mechanically helps your heart pump more efficiently. In some cases, patients may be candidates for heart transplantation.
Summary:
Heart failure is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of death in the United States. The most common causes include heart attack, high blood pressure, alcohol or illicit drug use, and viral infections.
Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing when lying flat on the back, gasping for air at night, and swelling in the legs. The condition is diagnosed based on symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests such as BNP. Your doctor will also likely order an EKG, chest x-ray, and echocardiogram.
The treatment of heart failure includes dietary fluid and salt restriction. Medications that are commonly prescribed include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs. Severe cases of heart failure may require the use of surgically implanted devices that mechanically assist the heart to pump. Some patients may be candidates for heart transplantation.