Heart Failure: What You Need to Know

Most people know about heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes, but heart failure is often overlooked. “Heart failure” may sound like your heart has stopped working. But it really means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. As a result, your body may not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to thrive.

In the US, about 6.7 million adults are living with heart failure. In Texas, the numbers are even more alarming. Parts of West Texas rank among the top 20% in the US for heart failure deaths.

February is American Heart Month, with the second week of the month Heart Failure Awareness Week. Now is the perfect time to raise awareness about heart failure and what you can do to protect your health.

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure develops when your heart becomes too weak to pump enough blood. As a result, your cells do not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause tiredness and shortness of breath.

In the early stages, your heart tries its best to keep up. It may enlarge to pump more blood, pump more forcefully, and beat faster to maintain blood flow. At the same time, your blood vessels may tighten to prevent blood pressure from dropping. Also, your kidneys may retain salt and water to increase blood volume. While these things can help for a while, they can eventually make things worse.

Heart failure can affect one or both sides of your heart. The left side is usually affected first. As it gets worse, heart failure can cause fluid to build up in your lungs and other parts of your body.

Heart Failure Symptoms

Heart failure can lead to the following symptoms:

Breathing difficulties: Getting out of breath more easily, especially when you are active or lying down.
Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual, even after getting plenty of sleep.
Swelling: Bloating or swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or belly due to fluid retention.
Unusual heartbeats: Your heart might race or beat irregularly.
Cough: You might cough or wheeze. You may also have a frothy, pink sputum when you cough if fluid backs up into your lungs.
Hard time exercising: Even simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs may become harder.
Loss of appetite or nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or not wanting to eat.
Dizziness or confusion: Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or confused, especially when standing up quickly.

If you notice any of these symptoms, let your provider know. The quicker you seek treatment, the better you and your provider can tackle it together.

Conditions That Affect Heart Failure

Certain health conditions can make heart failure worse or increase your risk of developing it. These include:

High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the heart, making it work harder over time.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the heart, leading to an increased risk of heart failure.
Coronary artery disease: This occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood become narrowed or blocked, making it harder for the heart to function.
Kidney disease: Poor kidney function leads to fluid buildup, which puts additional pressure on the heart.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts strain on the heart and can lead to other conditions that increase the risk of heart failure.
Sleep apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep can raise blood pressure and increase the strain on the heart.

Managing these conditions is important for preventing or controlling heart failure. Regular checkups and follow-up with your doctor can help reduce the impact on your heart.

How Is Heart Failure Treated?

Heart failure can’t be cured, but you can manage it with the right treatments:

Medications: These drugs help your heart pump more effectively, lower blood pressure, and reduce fluid buildup. Common ones include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics.
Lifestyle changes: A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise under your provider’s care, and quitting smoking can all make a big difference. Managing your weight, cutting back on alcohol, and reducing stress are also important.
Medical devices: In some cases, your provider may suggest devices like a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator to keep your heart’s rhythm in check or prevent arrhythmias.
Surgery: If your heart failure is severe, you may need surgery to fix your heart valves or, in extreme cases, a heart transplant.

With Heart Failure, Knowledge Is Power

Heart failure can be overwhelming. But with early detection and the right treatment, it’s possible to manage it. The key is to stay informed and take action before it worsens.

If you haven’t had a checkup recently, you can schedule an appointment online or by calling 866-325-0301. Share any symptoms you have and ask about screenings that can help to detect heart health issues early. We’re here to guide you through your heart health journey, answer questions, and help you feel your best!