Individuals with:

• Coronary artery disease (heart attack)
• Birth defects in heart
• Inflammation or/and damage of heart muscles
• Abnormal rhythm of the heart
• Chronic diseases (hyper and hypothyroidism, diabetes, iron or protein built up)
• Allergic reactions
• Viral infections
• Blood clots in the lung.

• Shortness of breath in a resting stage or exertion
• Swellings in lungs, stomach, ankle, and legs
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• Increased frequency of urination (night)
• Constant chest tightness and cough
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Dizziness and loss of consciousness
• Increased heart rate and palpitation
• Difficulty in exercising and Fatigue.
• Decreased alertness

• Untreated Heart failure can cause serious problems which include:
  • Kidney damage or failure.
  • Heart valve and rhythm problems.
  • Liver damage.

• • Physical examination to check for signs of discomfort in particular areas of the body
  • Detailed history of CVD or any other related factor
  • Blood tests that include check for elevated cardiac enzymes NT pro BNP and other parameters like thyroid and renal profile
  • Tests like Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), Echocardiography, stress test, chest X-ray, coronary angiography

• Treatment modalities for heart failure include medications and sometimes even surgery might be required. Medications include the following:

  • Beta-blocker: To stabilize the heart function and to prevent it from further worsening
  • Ace inhibitors: To modify the shape of the heart to make it more elliptical or leaner and decrease the dilatation post-heart attack.
  • Diuretics: To decrease fluid from the lungs to promote easy breathing.
  • Inotropes: To improve the pumping function of the heart and maintain blood pressure.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin): More commonly given to individuals with a heart rhythm problem, such as atrial fibrillation.

• The different surgeries involved include:

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery (CABG): Replacing blocked arteries in the heart with healthy blood vessels from the leg, abdomen, or arm for creating a new passage for blood flow that bypasses the damaged portion of the heart.
  • Pacemaker-like device insertion: A device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and functions like a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the chest wall. This helps in giving a shock to treat life threatening arrhythmias (Bad rhythms). Another method called Cardiac resynchronisation therapy. CRTp is used to increase the pumping of the heart in some cases of heart failure. The cardiologist identifies these patients by analyzing the ECG, Echo, and angiography reports.

• • Fluid and salt restriction
  • A daily pattern of adequate physical activity
  • Following healthy diet
  • Weight control measures
  • Management of dyslipidemia, blood sugar levels in pre-diabetics and diabetic patients, hypertension and stress.
  • Reduction of alcohol consumption
  • Quit smoking.