Heart failure is a condition that afflicts millions of people around the world, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood conditions. It does not mean that the heart has stopped working completely but only that it is not pumping blood as well as it should. This leads to symptoms that can make life difficult and sometimes more severe health problems. I, as a Heart Failure specialist , like to describe, in simplified language, to explain the basics about it so that you get what it's all about. 

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): This is where the heart muscle is too weak and has not enough strength to pump out blood adequately, thereby leaving a lesser volume of blood with each beat.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): Here, the heart becomes stiff, fails to relax between the beats, and cannot therefore fill with enough blood despite normal pumping.

Why Does Heart Failure Occur?

There are numerous causes of heart failure and people can have multiple risk factors. Some general include:

This is the most common cause and involves coronary artery disease in which plaque builds up (accumulation of fats along with other substances) into the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart, causing blockade; over time, decreased flow of blood to the heart may weaken the muscle.

High blood pressure, or hypertension: If your blood pressure is consistently high, it makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which can cause it to enlarge and weaken over time.

Heart attack: A heart attack can cause parts of the heart muscle to die, leaving the remaining muscle weaker and less able to pump.

Diabetes: High sugar in blood deteriorates the blood vessels, usually resulting in heart disease which in turn may develop into heart failure.

Conditions of Heart Valves: When heart valves are unable to function, the heart struggles hard in pumping blood from them; this further wearies it.

Other causes: Congenital syndrome; Bacterial and other infections; and excessive drinking of alcohol are some more causes due to which people suffer heart failure.

Heart Failure Generalized Signs and Symptoms

Heart failure symptoms are nonspecific and may include a combination of the following:

Breathlessness: This tends to be experienced during exercise as simple as walking or stair climbing. Patients with heart failure become breathless at rest too.

Edema in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet: This is due to less forceful pumping of the blood by the heart, leading to fluid accumulation inside the body.

Fatigue and Weakness: Due to a lack of adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the body, heart failure patients get easily fatigued, even after very low intensity activity.

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: In an attempt to catch up, the heart races or beats irregularly because it is working harder.

Coughing or Wheezing with White or Pink Blood-Tinged Phlegm: Fluid accumulates in the lungs and produces this type of symptom.

If any of these symptoms occur, especially if they worsen over time, then you should consult a medical doctor.

Heart Failure Diagnosis

If you pay a visit to a doctor complaining of heart failure, they may conduct some tests in an attempt to confirm their findings. Some of what they might include are as follows:

Physio exam: the physician can listen to your heartbeat and your lungs while checking for signs such as swelling of the neck veins or legs.

Laboratory tests: A blood test may be able to seek evidence of some markers that indicate heart strain or other background conditions such as diabetes mellitus or kidney disease.

Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound examination that gives an image of the heart and its size, shape, and how it will pump. It is one of the best tests to give a diagnosis of heart failure.

Beta-blockers: These tend to reduce heart rate and therefore reduce the workload on the heart.

Diuretics: They are also called "water pills," which tends to reduce fluid accumulation within the body.

Aldosterone antagonists: These prevent retention of fluids and thus reduce the workload on the heart.

Lifestyle Changes: Effective lifestyle changes are required to manage heart failure, which tends to ease the workload on the heart.

Diet: Low sodium intake is essential because salt causes body fluid retention thus worsening fluid accumulation. They should consume fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Manage Stress: Stress will raise your blood pressure and can worsen heart failure. Try to find stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or other activities.

Monitor Your Doctor: You'll require regular appointments to care for heart failure. Your doctor will make the proper changes in medications and life changes.

Conclusion

Heart failure can feel like the end of the world, but learning to understand and take care of the condition can let its victims go ahead and live normal lives. As a cardiologist specializing in heart failure, I can tell you that there is no need to get worried and lose hope in this condition because it's severe. It can be controlled with several drugs and lifestyle changes as well as regular follow-up visits at the doctor. Remember, power to your knowledge-be familiar with your condition, always cooperate with your healthcare provider, and the whole journey becomes a lot easier.