Heart failure is a very common condition. Both children and adults
can have heart failure, although the symptoms and treatments differ.
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough
blood to meet the needs of body. In some cases, the heart cannot fill
with enough blood. In other cases, the heart cannot pump blood to the
rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems. The
term "Heart Failure" does not mean that your heart has stopped or is
about to stop working. However, heart failure is a serious condition
that requires medical care.
Heart failure develops over time as the heart's pumping action grows weaker.
The condition can affect the right side of the heart only, or it can affect both
sides of the heart. Most cases involve both sides of the heart. Right side heart
failure occurs if the heart cannot pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up
oxygen. Left side heart failure occurs if the heart cannot pump enough
oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Right side heart failure may cause
fluid to build up in the feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins in
the neck. Rightside and leftside heart failure also may cause shortness of
breath and fatigue/tiredness. The leading causes of the heart failure are
diseases that damage the heart. These include coronary heart disease (CHD), also
called coronary artery disease; high blood pressure; and diabetes.
If the heart has been injured, the body will attempt to compensate for
reduced blood flow. Unfortunately, many of the countermeasures actually
increase strain upon heart and further the development of heart failure. The
heart, after suffering damage or being placed under physical stress by high
blood pressure, will begin to change its own shape. This deforming of
ventricles' shape is known as remodeling or hypertrophy.
Currently, heart failure has no cure. However, treatments such as medicines
and lifestyle changes can help people live longer and more active lives.
Researchers continue to study new ways to treat heart failure and its
complications. |
