Heart Failure Specialist

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle, whether from weakness or stiffening, isn’t able to pump with sufficient force to circulate blood properly throughout your body. 

As a result, blood backs up in other parts of your body, including your liver, abdomen, lower legs, and lungs. While heart failure can occur on either side of your body, it usually begins on the left side, where the left ventricle, the primary pumping chamber, is located.

Heart failure can be chronic or acute. An unhealthy lifestyle can increase your risk of heart failure. However, congenital defects, as well as a history of diabetes or hypertension, can also increase your risk. 

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Symptoms of heart failure can vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Edema in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Production of pink-tinged phlegm
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Heart failure can also coincide with a heart attack, which means you may also experience chest pain. If you’re experiencing chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants conducts comprehensive examinations to diagnose heart failure. During your exam, your provider may administer a number of diagnostic tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test
• CT or MRI scan
• Coronary angiogram

In some cases, a myocardial biopsy is performed to evaluate the health of your cardiac tissue.

What are the treatments for heart failure?

The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants develops personalized treatment plans to help you manage your heart failure and prevent more serious health conditions such as kidney failure, or even death.

Your treatment may include:

• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Digoxin
• Aldosterone
• Inotropes
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE)
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers

If medications fail to improve your condition, the team may suggest surgery, such as a coronary bypass, implantation of a defibrillator, heart valve repair, or cardiac resynchronization therapy. In some cases, a heart transplant or the implantation of an artificial heart may be necessary. 

For competent and comprehensive care of your heart failure, contact Premier Cardiology Consultants by phone or online today.