It means that one side of your heart (either the left or right) is struggling to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to heart failure.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure doesn't mean your heart has stopped working altogether. Instead, it signifies that your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should to meet your body's needs. When only half of your heart is working effectively, this typically indicates left-sided heart failure or, less commonly, a severe problem on one side affecting the other.
Left-Sided Heart Failure: The Most Common Scenario
Left-sided heart failure is the most frequent type of heart failure. The left side of the heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. When it weakens, blood can back up into the lungs, causing shortness of breath. There are two main types of left-sided heart failure:
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Systolic Heart Failure (Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction): The heart muscle is weak and can't squeeze (contract) strongly enough to pump out enough blood. Ejection fraction, which measures how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction, is reduced.
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Diastolic Heart Failure (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction): The heart muscle becomes stiff and doesn't relax properly. The heart can't fill with enough blood during the resting period (diastole) between beats. The ejection fraction may be normal, but the heart still isn't filling and pumping efficiently.
Causes of Left-Sided Heart Failure
Common causes of left-sided heart failure include:
- High Blood Pressure: Over time, high blood pressure can strain the heart, causing it to weaken.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, potentially leading to damage and weakening.
- Heart Valve Problems: Leaky or narrowed heart valves can force the heart to work harder, leading to heart failure.
- Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Symptoms
Symptoms of left-sided heart failure can include:
- Shortness of breath (especially during exertion or when lying down)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Coughing or wheezing
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Right-Sided Heart Failure
While less directly implied by the question, problems on the right side of the heart can indirectly affect the left side over time. Right-sided heart failure means the right side of the heart has difficulty pumping blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. This often happens as a result of left-sided heart failure.
Treatment
Treatment for heart failure focuses on managing symptoms and improving heart function. Options include:
- Medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and other medications can help lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and reduce fluid buildup.
- Lifestyle Changes: A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking are crucial.
- Medical Procedures or Surgery: In some cases, procedures like angioplasty, valve repair/replacement, or a heart transplant may be necessary.
If you suspect you may have heart failure, it's crucial to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
