Expertise
Heart Failure Management
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This condition, while serious, can often be managed effectively with the right care and treatment.
Dr. C.S. Aravind, a highly experienced cardiologist, provides comprehensive heart failure management services, including medication, lifestyle changes, and advanced treatments like pacemaker implantation or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for severe cases. Our goal is to help you manage your symptoms, prevent complications, and lead a more active life.
What Is Heart Failure?
Types of Heart Failure
- Left-sided heart failure: The most common type, where the heart’s left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the rest of the body.
- Right-sided heart failure: Affects the heart’s ability to pump blood to the lungs, leading to fluid buildup in the legs, abdomen, and liver.
- Diastolic heart failure: Occurs when the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot fill properly between beats.
- Systolic heart failure: Occurs when the heart muscle loses its ability to contract effectively and pump blood.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
- Shortness of breath during everyday activities or when lying down
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen (edema)
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to assess your heart’s health.
How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
At ARAVIND HEART CARE, Dr. C.S. Aravind will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose heart failure and its underlying cause. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Echocardiogram (ECHO): To assess the heart’s structure and pumping function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for irregular heart rhythms.
- Blood tests: To measure biomarkers that indicate heart failure.
- Chest X-ray: To look for fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Treadmill Stress Test (TMT): To evaluate how well your heart performs during physical activity.
Heart Failure Treatment Options
Heart failure is a chronic condition, but with proper treatment, symptoms can be managed, and quality of life can be improved. Treatment options at ARAVIND HEART CARE include
1. Medications:
- Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup.
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs: To relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers: To slow the heart rate and reduce the heart’s workload.
- Aldosterone antagonists: To help the body eliminate excess fluid.
2. Lifestyle Changes:
- Dietary adjustments: Reducing salt intake can help manage fluid retention.
- Exercise: Regular, light physical activity can strengthen the heart and improve symptoms.
- Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction: Essential lifestyle changes to prevent further heart damage.
3. Advanced Treatments:
- Pacemakers: Used to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats.
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): For patients with severe heart failure, CRT helps the heart’s chambers beat in sync.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD): To prevent sudden cardiac arrest in patients at high risk.
4. Surgical Interventions:
- In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, or heart transplantation may be necessary.
Living with Heart Failure
Living with heart failure requires ongoing management, but with the right care plan, many patients lead active, fulfilling lives. Dr. C.S. Aravind will work closely with you to monitor your condition, adjust your treatment as needed, and provide support to help you manage your symptoms. Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your treatment plan is working effectively.