Cardiac Center
MRK-D-20-2012
Heart Failure
What is Heart Failure? Is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood. In other cases, the heart can’t pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems. Heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care. What causes heart failure? •• High blood pressure. •• Disease of the heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy) from a virus, alcohol, or drugs. •• Diabetes. •• Diseases of the heart valves. •• Diseases of the sack around the heart (the pericardium). •• Continuous fast heart rates. What are the stages of Heart failure? Heart failure goes through stages that reflect the severity of the case, you will hear terms such as (stage A-B-C), and each stage varies from the other. What are the Symptoms of Heart failure? Symptoms include: •• Shortness of breath. •• Fatigue. •• Reduced ability to exercise.
Treatment: If you have heart failure, your doctor will monitor you closely. You will have followed up appointments at least every 3 to 6 months and tests (such as Ultrasound) to check your heart function. There are two types of treatment: 1- Usual treatment (Prophylaxis): Hypertensive Heart Normal Heart •• Exercise regularly. •• Quit smoking. •• Treat blood pressure. •• Treat lipid disorder. •• Restrict dietary sodium (salt). •• Monitor weight. •• Restrict fluids (as appropriate). •• Drugs that worsen the condition should be discontinued. 2- Medical treatment: •• Medications that help your heart cope with heart failure. •• Surgeries such as: Pacemaker, Catheterization, and Implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Cardiac Center 02-650-9000 Ext: 6174-1886