HEART FAILURE | WEAK HEART MUSCLE

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. It may result from weakened heart muscle, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease or heart rhythm disorders.

Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working. It means that the heart's function has become insufficient and requires appropriate evaluation and treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down.
• Fatigue and reduced energy.
• Reduced exercise tolerance.
• Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs.
• Weight gain caused by fluid retention.
• Palpitations.
• Cough, particularly when lying down.
• Dizziness or weakness.

CAUSES OF HEART FAILURE

Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease and previous heart attacks.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart valve disease.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Heart rhythm disorders.
• Certain heart muscle diseases or inflammation.
• Certain thyroid disorders.
• Some medications or substances that may affect the heart muscle.

HOW IS HEART FAILURE DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis begins with an assessment of symptoms, medical history and physical examination. Depending on the patient's condition, investigations may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Echocardiography.
• Blood tests.
• Coronary artery imaging when indicated.
• Cardiac MRI in selected cases.
• Additional investigations according to the patient's condition.

THE ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Echocardiography is one of the most important tests for assessing heart function. It helps evaluate the strength of the heart muscle and measure the ejection fraction (EF), as well as assess the size of the heart chambers and the function of the heart valves.

HEART FUNCTION AND EJECTION FRACTION (EF)

Ejection fraction is an important measurement used to assess the pumping function of the left ventricle. It is most commonly measured using echocardiography.

The severity of heart failure cannot be determined by EF alone. Symptoms, examination findings, other test results and the patient's overall health must also be considered.

TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE

Treatment depends on the cause, type and severity of heart failure and may include:

• Medications to improve heart function and reduce symptoms and complications.
• Diuretics when fluid retention is present.
• Treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
• Treatment of coronary artery disease or heart valve disease when appropriate.
• Specialized cardiac devices for selected patients.
• Interventional or surgical procedures when indicated.

LIFESTYLE AND FOLLOW-UP

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can help improve heart health:

• Taking prescribed medications regularly.
• Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
• Stopping smoking.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Regular physical activity according to medical advice.
• Monitoring weight and reporting rapid weight gain.
• Attending regular medical follow-up and recommended investigations.

WHEN IS URGENT MEDICAL EVALUATION NEEDED?

Urgent medical attention is required when there is severe or sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, fainting or sudden worsening of symptoms.

SPECIALIZED EVALUATION

Heart failure has many different causes and forms. Each patient requires an individualized assessment to determine the underlying cause, severity of heart dysfunction and most appropriate treatment plan.

If you experience shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, swelling of the legs or reduced exercise tolerance, a cardiac evaluation can help assess heart function and identify the underlying cause at an early stage.