Heart failure, also called cardiac failure, affects over six million in the country and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in people over the age of 65. It is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood well enough to ensure regular supply to the organs. When that happens, blood and fluid begin to collect in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, legs, and feet.

Symptoms of cardiac failure
Not everyone experiences the symptoms of heart failure in the same manner. They may appear slowly in some instances and suddenly in others.

• Shortness of breath
• Waking up short of breath at night
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the lower limbs
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Wheezing
• Nausea and lack of appetite
• A dry, hacking cough
• Bloated or hard stomach

Types of cardiac failure
The condition has several types depending on which area of the heart is affected.

• Left-sided heart failure
  The left ventricle is much larger than the rest of the heart’s chambers and has the most pumping power. So, when it fails, the organ works harder to pump blood throughout the body, causing left-sided heart failure.

Diagnosis for cardiac failure
To begin with, the doctor may evaluate the patient’s symptoms and medical history. They may also inquire about other health conditions, any family history of heart disease or sudden death, a history of chemotherapy or radiation, and any ongoing treatments.  Based on these initial conversations, they may recommend certain tests to identify cardiac failure, its stage, and its cause.

• Blood tests
• Cardiac catheterization
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan
• Stress test
• Genetic testing

Treating cardiac failure
The diagnosis will identify the underlying cause of cardiac failure, after which the expert may suggest a suitable management plan.  In the initial stages, doctors may tackle heart failure using a variety of treatments that help relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, decrease the strain on the heart, and improve heart function. The dosage for these treatments needs to be monitored regularly to ensure proper recovery.

If symptoms flare up, a hospital stay may be prescribed. During this time, the focus might be on relieving the symptoms, helping the heart pump better, and improving oxygen flow in the body using a small mask or tube. In case of severe heart failure, supplemental oxygen may also be prescribed.

Surgical procedures
Doctors may also recommend surgeries to treat the problem responsible for  heart failure.

• Coronary bypass surgery
  This procedure may be required if extremely clogged arteries have caused the failure. During a bypass, a healthy blood vessel is taken from the patient’s leg, arm, or chest and connected below and above the clogged artery in the heart to improve blood flow.
• Heart valve repair or replacement
  Sometimes, a damaged heart valve may cause the failure. In this case, the doctor may recommend repairing or replacing the valve to improve heart function. This can be done either through a minimally invasive or open-heart procedure.
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
  Quite similar to a pacemaker, this device prevents complications associated with heart failure. Although it helps the organ work better, it does not address the underlying cause.
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  This procedure may be necessary if the lower heart chambers are not pumping as they should. Here, a device is installed in the body to monitor and send signals to the lower heart chambers to make them beat in a coordinated manner and improve heart rate.
• Ventricular assist device (VAD)
  Also known as a mechanical circulatory support device, VAD helps pump blood from the ventricles to the rest of the body. It may be recommended for those awaiting a heart transplant or those who are not suitable candidates for a transplant.
• Heart transplant
  In extremely severe cases of failure, the organ may need to be replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. This may not be suitable for everyone as the chances of complications are high.

Lifestyle changes
In addition to treatment, the doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes to reduce the overall load on the heart and improve one’s health.

• Following a balanced meal plan
• Engaging in light exercise regularly
• Following the doctor’s treatment guidelines diligently
• Getting enough rest
• Managing stress
• Monitoring fluid intake
• Avoiding flu, pneumonia, and other illnesses