Heart Failure Specialist

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, which is also referred to as congestive heart failure, is a serious health condition in which your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood throughout your body. Despite the name, heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has failed and is no longer pumping, but that it’s too weak to keep up with its usual workload. 

Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition, but when you have the right care and support, you can continue to live a healthy, long life.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Shortness of breath and fatigue are the most common symptoms of heart failure and may be the symptoms that trigger a visit to the doctor. Other symptoms of heart failure include:

• Swelling in your legs
• Changes in your heartbeat
• Chronic cough
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Syncope (fainting)

If you’re experiencing chest pain, it may be a sign of a heart attack, which can also lead to heart failure, and you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for care.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure is caused by underlying health issues that damage or weaken your heart. Conditions that can place you at risk of heart failure include:

• Coronary heart disease
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Heart defects
• Arrhythmias
• Abnormal heart valves
• Inflammation of the cardiac muscle

Noncardiac conditions can also lead to heart failure, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.

What can I expect during a heart failure evaluation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come in to see the team at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., for management of your heart failure. The state-of-the-art offices include many advanced noninvasive diagnostic tests, which may be used to assess heart health and help direct your treatment plan. 

What are the treatments for heart failure?

The team develops personalized treatment plans to help manage your heart failure. In some cases, treatment of the underlying cause, such as restoring normal heart rhythm or repairing a damaged heart valve, may reverse your heart failure.

If your heart failure is due to irreversible damage to the tissue, the team can develop a plan to alleviate your symptoms, which may include a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise program.

For an evaluation and treatment plan to manage your heart failure, contact the cardiology experts at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists, P.A., by phone or online today.