Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump blood to the body as well as it should. The changing environment and a busy life have led to the increase in the number of congestive heart failure cases over the last few years. Heart doctors suggest that this condition is mainly caused due to the fluid build-up in the legs, arms, feet or lungs.
• If the arteries that supply blood to the heart get diseased, the blood supply gets reduced or completely cut off, this causes heart failure.
• A heart attack can result in heart failure because a part of the muscle may stop functioning properly.
• Alcohol or drug abuse can also lead to heart failure.
• Diabetes, hypertension, congested lungs etc. can cause this disorder.
The next stage is the diagnosis of this disease, which involves a complete physical examination with a series of blood tests that check for anaemia, cholesterol levels etc. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) blood test is another test that checks for the peptide that increases in levels when a heart failure develops or worsens. X-Rays are also taken to check for the abnormal size of the heart. These are just a few tests of the many tests done for a complete examination.
According to heart specialists, there are 4 stages of heart failure starting from A to D. It is a progressive condition that can worsen over time. Depending on the stage, you need to make necessary changes in your lifestyle.
STAGE A: This is a pre-heart failure stage where people are at a high risk of developing the disease, like people with high blood pressure, alcohol, and drug abuse. These individuals are advised to quit alcohol intake or smoking, implement dietary changes and lower the blood pressure.
STAGE B: This stage includes individuals with a prior heart attack, cardiomyopathy, valve disorders. Treatment from stage A still continues and apart from that, surgery for coronary artery repair is recommended along with additional drugs.
STAGE C: In this stage, people experience shortness of breath, the inability to exercise regularly, fatigue etc. Stage A treatment still continues. A pacemaker may be implanted and the heart could be monitored along with the weight. Sodium intake should be reduced and the drugs that worsen the condition should be discontinued.
STAGE D: This is the terminal stage and treatments from the above 3 stages are implemented and a heart transplant is required at the earliest.
To ensure your heart remains in optimal condition, Kauvery Hospital encourages certain practices such as reducing your sodium and salt intake, refraining from smoking, engaging in mild cardio exercises regularly and maintaining a stress-free life. Your heart health plays an instrumental role in overall happiness. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to experience the joy of a fulfilled life. Visit our branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy or check out our website for more information.
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1. What causes heart failure?
Heart failure can be caused by blocked arteries, heart attacks, alcohol or drug abuse, diabetes, hypertension, and congested lungs.
2. How is heart failure diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes physical exams, blood tests (like BNP), and x-rays to check heart size and function.
3. What are the stages of heart failure?
Heart failure has four stages:
Stage A: High risk, but no symptoms.
Stage B: Structural heart disease, but no symptoms.
Stage C: Symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue.
Stage D: Severe symptoms needing advanced treatment.
4. What happens in Stage A of heart failure?
Individuals are at high risk and should quit alcohol, and smoking, and implement dietary changes to lower blood pressure.
5. What treatments are recommended for Stage B heart failure?
Continue Stage A treatments, and possibly undergo coronary artery repair surgery and take additional medications.
6. What is the treatment for Stage D heart failure?
All previous treatments are continued, and a heart transplant may be required.
7. How can I maintain heart health?
Reduce sodium and salt intake, quit smoking, engage in mild cardio exercises, and lead a stress-free life.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
