FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is heart failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump efficiently to circulate oxygen-rich blood to different body organs. Simply put, the heart cannot keep up with its workload.
Let’s review in more detail what heart failure is.
Heart failure symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition and which side of the heart is affected. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention and effective management. It’s important to note that symptoms may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly in acute cases.
One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is dyspnea or shortness of breath. This can occur during physical activities, at rest, or lying down. Many patients experience orthopnea, a condition where they feel breathless when lying flat and need to prop themselves up with pillows to breathe comfortably. Some may also experience paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, where they wake up suddenly at night gasping for air.
Persistent fatigue and weakness are hallmark symptoms of heart failure. As the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, less oxygen and nutrients reach the body’s tissues and muscles. This can result in constant tiredness, even after rest, and difficulty performing everyday activities that were once easy.
Edema, or swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet, is a common sign of heart failure. This occurs when the heart can’t pump blood effectively, causing fluid to back up in the body. Some patients may notice sudden weight gain due to this fluid retention. In more severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the abdomen, causing swelling and discomfort.
Heart failure can cause arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of the heart racing, skipping beats, or fluttering. These irregularities can be intermittent or persistent and may be accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.
A chronic cough or wheezing, especially one that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus, can be a sign of heart failure. This occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs due to the heart’s inability to pump efficiently.
As heart failure progresses, it can affect the digestive system. Patients may experience a loss of appetite, nausea, or a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts. This can be due to fluid buildup around the liver and intestines.
In some cases, heart failure can lead to cognitive changes. Patients may experience confusion, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating. This is often due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.