Heart failure
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What is heart failure?
Heart failure develops as a result of an underlying problem such as a weakened heart muscle, a faulty heart valve, heart rhythm disorders or other heart conditions. As a result, the heart does not pump enough blood to the organs and muscles, causing increased pressure inside the heart.
Symptoms
The following symptoms may occur:
- Shortness of breath
- An irritating cough or rattling breathing, especially when lying down
- Swollen ankles, feet, legs or abdomen due to fluid build-up
- Tiredness and weakness
- Weight gain due to fluid retention
- Needing to urinate frequently at night
- Palpitations or a fast heart rate
Different types of heart failure
Heart failure is classified based on the pumping function of the left ventricle. If the pumping function is normal but the heart muscle has become stiffer, the cause is often high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart rhythm disorders or valve disease.
If the pumping function is severely reduced, heart failure may be caused by a heart attack, heart rhythm disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic conditions, inflammation of the heart muscle or chemotherapy.
Examinations
To diagnose heart failure and determine its severity, several examinations may be carried out:
- Blood test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- CT scan or NMR scan (MRI)
Treatment
The aim of treatmens is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. It is best to drink only when you are thirsty and to limit salt intake as much as possible. Adopting a healthy lifestyle remains important, includign healthy eating, regular physical activity, quiting smoking and moderate alcohol consumption. Try to avoid stress as much as possible and get enough rest.
Your doctor will prescribe medication to reduce the strain on your heart. If heart failure is caused by an underlying condition, it is also important to treat that condition.
Heart failure is a chronic condition. The amount of follow-up you need depends on the severity of the condition.
Departments
Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please visit our department of cardiology.
Want to know more about heart failure?
You can find more information about the causes and diagnosis of heart failure on the Belgian Heart Failure Care Pathway website. You can also read about treatment and follow-up, possible complications and advice.