About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Ischemic Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Ischemic heart failure (IHF) is a serious condition that occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened due to reduced blood supply. This is often caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), where narrowed or blocked arteries limit blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
Causes and Risk Factors
IHF is primarily caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), but other risk factors contribute, including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia)
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of IHF include:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity or at night
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink phlegm
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Difficulty lying flat due to breathing problems (orthopnea)
Diagnosis
To diagnose IHF, doctors use a combination of methods:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects abnormalities in heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function and detects areas with reduced blood flow.
- Coronary angiography: Identifies blockages in coronary arteries.
- Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Provides detailed images of the heart structure.
- Blood tests: Check for markers of heart damage and other contributing conditions.
Treatment
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet, low in saturated fats, salt, and processed sugars.
- Engage in regular physical activity, as recommended by a doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight and manage associated conditions (e.g., diabetes, high cholesterol).
2. Medications
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, carvedilol) to reduce heart rate and improve heart function.
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs (e.g., enalapril, losartan) to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.
- Diuretics to reduce fluid retention and swelling.
- Aspirin or anticoagulants if there is a risk of blood clots.
- Statins to manage cholesterol levels and prevent artery blockage.
3. Surgical and Device-Based Interventions
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): Surgery to create new pathways for blood to reach the heart.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, stenting): A non-surgical procedure to reopen blocked arteries.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers: Help prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Heart transplantation (in cases of end-stage heart failure).
Prevention
- Regular health check-ups to monitor heart health.
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol abuse.
- Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Ischemic heart failure is a manageable but serious condition. Early diagnosis, medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and potential surgical interventions can greatly improve the quality of life for patients.
References
For more detailed guidelines, refer to:
- American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Heart Failure Guidelines
- European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Heart Failure
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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