Overview of the Condition

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This may cause fluid buildup in the lungs and body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Common causes include high blood pressure, heart attack, and weakened heart muscles. Treatment includes medicines, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, advanced therapies such as an LVAD or heart transplant.

Who is Commonly Affected?

Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition that affects the heart and other body systems, with a significant health and economic burden worldwide. In India, heart failure accounts for about 65% of cases.

Causes / Why It Happens

• Coronary artery disease and heart attack — reduced blood flow or damage to the heart muscle
• High blood pressure (hypertension) — makes the heart work harder over time
• Heart valve disease — faulty valves force the heart to pump harder
• Myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections
• Congenital heart disease — heart defects present from birth
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) — abnormal heartbeats can affect heart function
• Other medical conditions — diabetes, thyroid disorders, infections, lung clots, certain medicines
• Lifestyle factors — smoking, excessive alcohol, ageing

Signs and Symptoms

• Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Sudden weight gain due to fluid buildup
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• Chest pain in some cases

Treatment Options

Heart failure is treated using a combination of medicines depending on the cause and severity of symptoms.

Tests Used to Diagnose Heart Failure

• Blood tests — check for conditions affecting the heart
• Chest X-ray — shows the size of the heart and condition of the lungs
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) — records the heart's electrical activity and rhythm
• Ejection fraction (EF) — measures how well the heart pumps blood
• Stress or exercise tests — evaluate heart function during physical activity
• Cardiac CT or MRI — provide detailed images of the heart

Procedures

• Coronary angiogram — detects blockages in the heart arteries
• Myocardial biopsy — examines a small sample of heart muscle in selected cases
• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) — mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood
• 2D-Echocardiogram — uses sound waves to assess the heart's structure and pumping function

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is 2D Echocardiogram and Why is it Used?

A 2D echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, including its walls, valves, and blood vessels. It helps doctors check how well the heart pumps blood, especially the left lower chamber, which is the heart's main pumping chamber.

Before the Procedure — Preparation Guidelines

• Preparation depends on the type of echocardiogram being done
• Medicines can usually be taken as advised by the doctor
• Inform the healthcare team about all medicines you use
• Normal eating and drinking are usually allowed before a standard echo
• Fasting may be required for a few hours before the test
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after a TEE because sedative medicines may be given

Step-by-Step

• Gel is applied to the chest to help obtain clear heart images
• A small device called a transducer is moved over the chest
• The device sends sound waves to the heart and records the returning echoes
• A computer converts these signals into moving pictures of the heart on a monitor

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Echocardiography is a safe heart scan that uses sound waves and does not involve radiation
• Rarely, patients may develop an allergic reaction to contrast dye
• Temporary irregular heartbeat may occur during stress echo tests

Duration of Hospital Stay

Can resume daily activities immediately.

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Diet

• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and unhealthy fats

Long-Term Care

• Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Most people can gradually return to normal activities, depending on their overall health

Follow-up

• The images are reviewed by the doctor to assess heart function
• Most patients can return to normal activities after the procedure
• Further tests or cardiology consultation may be needed if abnormal findings are detected

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions