Heart failure

A comprehensive guide to Heart Failure—Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Heart Failure – Overview

Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, but it means that the heart is unable to pump the body’s required amount of blood for normal functioning. Heart failure occurs due to various reasons such as uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart valve problems. Timely treatment of heart failure is essential for the person’s survival.

Types of heart failure

There are several types of heart failure, which can be categorized based on how the heart functions and the specific issues involved:

• Systolic Heart Failure happens when the heart’s left ventricle cannot contract properly. So the required amount of blood is not pumped out to the body.
• Diastolic Heart Failure happens when the left ventricle becomes stiff and cannot relax properly due to which the heart is not properly filled with blood.
• Left-Sided Heart Failure means the left side of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the body. This is the most common type of heart failure.
• Right-Sided Heart Failure means the right side of the heart can’t pump blood effectively to the lungs.
• Congestive Heart Failure is a condition where heart failure causes fluid to build up in the lungs. This can happen due to failure of heart on either right side or left side.
• Acute Heart Failure occurs suddenly and the symptoms develop rapidly often requiring immediate hospitalisation.
• Chronic Heart Failure develops gradually over time and requires continuous management and treatment.

What are the symptoms of Heart Failure?

The symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common symptoms include:

• Shortness of Breath which may occur When the person is resting, working or even while lying down flat,
• Even for a minimal activity the person feels excessively tired and is often in a state of fatigue.
• Due to fluid retention there is swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen. The excess fluid leads to weight gain.
• Due to rapid or Irregular Heartbeat the person experiences as if their heart is racing or fluttering.
• When they cough there is usually a white or a pink mucus secreted.
• Wheezing is also a common symptom even when the person is lying down.

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

For expert heart care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the warning signs to consult a doctor for Heart Failure?

One of the crucial steps in treating heart failure is its early recognition. Not all symptoms appear at the same time or even at the early stages but some physical changes are obvious. If you observe any of the following symptoms please visit a medical care professional immediately:

• Difficulty in breathing even while resting.
• Sudden weight gain accompanied by a feeling of bloating.
• You notice that your legs and ankles are swollen.
• Constant chest pain and discomfort during rest or an activity.
• You are unable to perform your daily routine due to fatigue.
• You often feel dizzy, confused along with a sensation of fainting.

For guidance and check-ups, call 96760 70203 today Our expert cardiologists at Isha Specialty Clinic will guide you with personalized heart care plans.

What Causes Heart Failure?

Heart failure very rarely occurs suddenly, most of the time it is a combination of many factors. Lifestyle being the top most reason there are other medical and genetic reasons also for heart failure which are described below:-

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) narrows the arteries and can restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to damage.
• Hypertension Over time, elevates the blood pressure and can cause the heart to work harder and weaken.
• A heart attack can damage the heart muscle, impacting its ability to pump effectively.
• Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself, which can be caused by genetics, infections, or chronic conditions.
• Dysfunction in the heart valves can affect blood flow, leading to heart failure over time.
• Irregular heartbeats affect the heart’s ability to pump blood properly.
• Diabetes can lead to various complications, including damage to the heart and blood vessels.
• Excess weight puts additional strain on the heart and can lead to other conditions that contribute to heart failure.
• Sleep Apnea can lead to intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep, contributing to heart failure risk.
• Factors such as thyroid disorders, certain infections, and substance abuse (like alcohol and drugs) can also contribute.

Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and management of underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk of developing heart failure.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Diagnosing heart failure is a multi-step process which involves:

• Primarily the cardiologist will enquire about your medical history. They will discuss issues such as shortness of breath and fatigue, any history of heart disease.
• The cardiologist will physically examine any signs of swelling in the legs and abnormal lung sounds.
• Blood Tests are done to assess kidney and liver function, along with BNP levels to indicate heart failure.
• Chest X-ray reveals the heart size and fluid in the lungs.
• Echocardiogram is an ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity and identifies irregular rhythms.
• Stress Test is performed to see how the heart performs under physical activity.
• Advanced Imaging such as Cardiac MRI or CT scans may be used for detailed assessment.

Isha speciality clinics the above diagnostics are done based on individual cases. With such a thorough diagnosis our specialists at Isha speciality clinics can accurately determine if heart failure is present and its severity.

Who is at the risk of getting heart failure?

Individuals at risk of heart failure include those with:

• Older adults are generally at greater risk.
• If there is a family history of heart disease it can increase risk.
• Those suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can contribute.
• History of heart attacks or other heart-related issues can predispose someone to heart failure.
• Those leading a sedentary lifestyle along with poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors.
• Sleep Apnea increases the risk of heart failure.
• Improper management of medication.

In this era of modern living it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle respective of their age. In elders it is always advisable to monitor these risk factors and to have a timely check up with an experienced healthcare professional.

What to Do If You See Someone Having Heart Failure Symptoms?

If you see someone having a heart failure follow these steps:-

• Recognize clear symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, rapid heartbeat, or persistent cough.
• If symptoms are severe such as extreme breathing difficulty, chest pain, unconsciousness then call emergency services.
• Keep Them Calm and help them sit comfortably, ideally with their legs hanging down.
• Loosen any tight clothing to relieve constriction.
• Watch out for their breathing and consciousness. If you are trained, be ready to perform CPR if they become unresponsive.
• Stay With Them until help arrives.
• Seek immediate help if you are unable to manage on your own.

Prevention Tips for Heart Failure

Preventing heart failure starts with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Adopting heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce the chances of developing this condition.

• Eat a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Quit smoking & limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress through yoga & meditation.
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

Complications of Heart Failure

The complications of a heart failure or meaning and usually they have a long standing effect. Regular monitoring and guidance from experienced cardiologists are required on a long term basis. Complications arising after a heart failure Rs follows:

• Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet, and can lead to fluid in your lungs, making it hard to breathe.
• Irregular heartbeats, which can raise the risk of stroke and worsen heart failure symptoms.
• Poor blood flow caused by heart failure can harm your kidneys, possibly leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Fluid can accumulate in the liver, leading to problems with liver function.
• The risk of stroke increases due to formation of blood clots in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
• Heart failure stresses your heart valves, potentially causing further issues with heart valves.
• Blood flow to the brain reduces leading to difficulties with memory and concentration.
• Those living with heart failure suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
• Heart failure can decrease your appetite, leading to poor nutrition.
• Heart failure decreases libido or causes erectile dysfunction.

Managing heart failure with the right treatment at Isha Specialty clinics can help reduce these complications. Always talk to our expert doctors such as Dr.Nithin for personalized advice.

Treatment Options for Heart Failure

We at Isha Specialty Clinics, under the expert care and guidance of Dr.Nithin offer complete treatment for heart failure. This not only includes medical treatment but also guidance about lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring and follow up are mandatory for those who had a heart failure once. Our treatment methodology of heart failures. We also take utmost care during the recovery phase.

Here are some common treatment options for heart failure:

Medications:

• ACE inhibitors to relax the blood vessels and to restore the blood flow.
• Beta-blockers slow heart rate and reduce the pressure
• Diuretics drain out the access fluid.
• Aldosterone antagonists to prevent fluid retention.

Change your lifestyle

• Start by cutting down on salt and carbs. A well balanced diet is mandatory.
• Exercise regularly as recommended by your cardiologist. Doing too much exercise immediately after a heart failure is not recommended.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking should be stopped if you are having trouble controlling these habits, there are many de-addiction centres which can help you in this aspect.
• Reducing stress is an important part of heart failure treatment. You can start practicing meditation or mindfulness to reduce your stress levels.

Usage of Devices

• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) to correct irregular heart rhythms.
• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) to synchronize the heartbeats.

Surgery

• Heart valve repair or replacement to fix the damaged valves.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve the blood flow.
• Heart transplant directly replaces a diseased heart.

Do not forget that regular check-ups are important for managing treatment and symptoms. Support groups can also help.

Self care after a Heart Failure

Medical treatment for heart failure prevents immediate danger. In order to prevent future heart failures and for the existing treatment to work properly self care is crucial.

• Start consuming the prescribed diet. This will help in reducing the weight and maintaining the blood pressure.
• Do not ignore medication as soon as you observe some improvement.
• Limit the liquid intake since there is already excess fluid in the body.
• Being active is important without over exerting yourself.

Impact of heart failures worldwide and in India

• In 2025, the data collected by the American Heart Association’s show that heart failures caused nearly one million deaths annually worldwide.
• Globally, there are 612 million people with heart diseases and this rate is set to increase significantly – 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet Global Burden of Disease
• All across the world a minimum of 26 million are living with heart failure, and this number grows as the ageing population grows – Global Public Health Burden of Heart Failure – PMC.
• Around 1% of the Indian population which means close to 10 million Indians are suffering from heart failure. Annually this number is growing by 0.5–1 million. 0.1–0.16 million deaths are caused due to heart failure each year. – Heart failure: Epidemiology and prevention in India – PMC.

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad

Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your heart related care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive heart care services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology

Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)

Dr. Swathy Talishetty is an expert in Child Nutrition and has 13 yrs of clinical experience in treating children from infancy to adolescence. Dr.Swathy is specialised in child nutrition and growth monitoring and all pediatric treatments. An alumnus of Osmania Medical College (MBBS, 2007) and Niloufer Hospital (MD Pediatrics, 2012). Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-

• Newborn and infant care
• Immunization
• Growth and development monitoring
• Preterm baby management
• Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics

Heart treatment

• Mitral valve replacement surgery
• Heart valve replacement and repair
• Coronary Angioplasty
• Coronary Angiogram
• Cardiac catheterization
• Angioplasty

Pain treatment

• Thoracic epidural injections
• Cervical epidural injections
• Intraarticular joint injections
• Nerve Block
• Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
• Lumbar Epidural Injections

Pediatric Care

• Newborn and infant care
• Immunization
• Growth and development monitoring
• Preterm baby management
• Childhood overweight management.

For guidance and check-ups, call 96760 70203 today. Our expert cardiologists at Isha Specialty Clinic will guide you with personalized heart care plans.

For expert heart care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Isha Heart Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020 Dr. Nithin Annarapu Book an appointment today for expert heart care!