Heart Failure

person with heart failure clutches chest

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. This condition often results from other health issues that weaken or stiffen the heart muscles, such as coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Symptoms of Heart Failure May Include:

  • Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink-tinged phlegm
  • Increased need to urinate at night
  • Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
  • Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
  • Lack of appetite and nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness

 

Facts About Heart Failure

  • Nearly 6.7 million U.S. adults aged 20 or older have heart failure.
  • Approximately 960,000 new heart failure cases are diagnosed annually.
  • The prevalence of heart failure is projected to rise to 8.7 million by 2030.

 

Who is at Risk for Heart Failure?

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease may include:

  • Genetics: Family history of heart disease can increase risk.
  • Sex: Heart failure affects both men and women, but certain types may be more prevalent in women.
  • Age: Risk increases with age.
  • Race or Ethnicity: Certain groups may have higher prevalence due to genetic and socioeconomic factors.
  • Environment: Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity levels play a role.
  • Other Risk Factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy behaviors like smoking.

 

Diagnosis & Management

Heart failure is diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, and tests like echocardiograms, ECGs, and blood tests. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to improve quality of life and outcomes.

Treatment Options for Heart Failure

Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments

  • Medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, inotropes, and digoxin are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function.

Lifestyle Interventions

  • Dietary Changes: Reducing sodium intake to prevent fluid retention.
  • Physical Activity: Engaging in appropriate exercise as recommended by healthcare providers.
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce heart strain.
  • Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking to improve overall cardiovascular health.

 

Have You Been Diagnosed With Heart Failure?

At Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research), our mission is to advance medical care for adults through innovative clinical research. You may be an eligible candidate for a clinical trial researching treatment options. For more information on currently enrolling clinical trials, click here.

Resources

CIS does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content provided is for informational purposes only.

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