What is Heart Failure and How is it Managed?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 6.7 million adults aged 20 and older in the United States are affected by heart failure.
Jeffrey Martindale, D.O., cardiologist and Director of MyMichigan Health’s Heart Failure Program, explains what heart failure is and how it can be managed effectively.
What is Heart Failure & its Symptoms?
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
“Heart failure is an interesting syndrome that can develop in a variety of different people – from young people to elderly folks,” explains Dr. Martindale. “It usually develops due to a weakening of the heart muscle where the heart is unable to squeeze blood forward to the other tissues in the body in an efficient manner, or the heart muscle becomes stiff and it’s not able to relax.”
Heart failure can be life-threatening and people with heart failure may have severe symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Wheezing.
- A cough that doesn't go away or a cough that brings up white or pink mucus with spots of blood.
- Swelling of the belly area.
- Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup.
- Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack.
“A lot of these symptoms many people may experience on a day-to-day basis,” says Dr. Martindale. “When we see a pattern of these symptoms, those are things we need to be watchful for.”
How Do You Diagnose Heart Failure?
Numerous blood tests can aid in the diagnosis of heart failure; however, one of the most effective diagnostic tools at our disposal is the echocardiogram. This test utilizes ultrasound technology to create images of your heart.
“An echocardiogram is a good tool and the first test for anyone being considered for heart failure,” explains Dr. Martindale. “It helps us really look at the heart muscle, the chamber sizes of the heart, the valves, how well the heart is squeezing – is it stiff or not relaxing appropriately?”
Once heart failure is diagnosed, a range of tests may be recommended based on individual risk factors and potential underlying causes. The evaluation process is customized for each patient, taking into account their unique risk factors, family history, and other relevant information.
How Can You Treat Heart Failure?
While significant strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, it continues to be a serious health condition. Although there is no cure, effective long-term management strategies can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with this condition.
Your treatment plan will typically encompass:
- Taking medications
- Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and weight
- Reducing salt in your diet
- Drinking less liquids
- Using devices that remove excess salt and water from the blood
“Lifestyle changes are really key to success in managing heart failure,” says Dr. Martindale. “Here at MyMichigan, we’re also looking at tools that can help us diagnose and manage these early symptom changes sooner and be proactive in managing the condition.”
Jeffrey Martindale, D.O., is a cardiologist and director of MyMichigan Health’s Heart Failure Program. He sees patients at the Heart Failure Clinic in Midland as well as MyMichigan Cardiology & Heart Failure Clinic in Gladwin.
