Definition of the Month: Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) or congestive heart failure (CHF) are similar terms for a process characterized by ineffective circulation of blood through the heart and resultant fluid accumulation. There are many types of HF, but one of the most common is called left heart failure. While there are many causes for left heart failure (topic for another newsletter), the basic principle is that the strength and overall pumping function of the heart is reduced. During periods of volume overload (too much fluid in the body from excess water; too much salt in the diet; medication non-adherence) or further injury to the heart muscle itself, the dysfunctional heart muscle cannot properly circulate the volume of blood it is receiving. Thus, the fluid “backs up” into the lungs and/or rest of the body. If the dysfunctional heart muscle is isolated to the right heart chambers only this is termed right heart failure. In these circumstances the fluid “backs up” into the belly and/or legs causing edema. The lungs are usually “spared” in right heart failure. Another equally common type of heart failure is termed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (AKA – heart failure with preserved heart strength). In this case fluid accumulates in the lungs not because of a weakened heart muscle, but rather a stiff heart muscle that cannot relax properly. As a result, the blood cannot flow effectively through the heart chambers and ends up accumulating in the lungs as edema. Regardless of the cause, some common symptoms of heart failure include increasing shortness of breath (especially with activities that did not previously cause shortness of breath), difficulty breathing at night when lying flat in bed, increasing weight gain over a period of just a few days, and swelling ankles/legs. Any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to your cardiologist or primary care physician for evaluation and treatment. While many medications are used to treat heart failure, the mainstay of therapy is diuretics (“water pills”).
Test of the Month: What is…an Echocardiogram? Also known as cardiac ultrasound, an echocardiogram (commonly referred to as an echo) is a routine, non-invasive, assessment of heart structures and function. This test is performed on a daily basis in our offices and takes about 30 minutes for completion. While an echocardiogram can be performed for a number of different reasons, more common indications include looking at heart size, thickness, wall motion, and valve structure and function. Echocardiograms may be performed annually to assess for any changes in heart function over time, or more frequently if there is a sudden change in general or cardiac health. Health Quiz (answers are below) 1. True or False: Dietary sodium restriction is important for patients with high blood pressure or a history of heart failure. 2. What are the official dietary recommendations for sodium intake in adults with high blood pressure or a history of heart failure? 3. How much weight gain in the course of one week (in the absence of other obvious causes) should be cause for concern about excessive fluid retention?
Helpful Resources
http://www.hearthub.org/hc-heart-failure.htm · American Heart Association website which offers informative information, pamphlets, videos and other links about heart failure http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=92 · American Heart Association website with a link for a printable medication chart. As a suggestion, also record your blood pressure and pulse readings and daily weights. www.cardiacassociates.org · Website for Cardiac Associates, P.C. Helpful Numbers Cardiac Associates, P.C. – Rockville 301-670-3000 Cardiac Associates, P.C. – Germantown 240-449-1100 Cardiac Associates, P.C. – Olney 301-634-4800 Cardiac Associates, P.C. – Laurel 301-924-0166 |
