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.
Types of Congestive Heart Failure
Introduction
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other tissues. It can be classified based on different criteria, such as the function of the heart or the affected area.
Major Types of Congestive Heart Failure
1. Left-Sided Heart Failure
- The most common type of CHF.
- Occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood efficiently to the body.
Leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Subtypes:
- Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): The left ventricle cannot contract properly, reducing its ability to eject blood.
- Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): The left ventricle becomes stiff and does not fill properly, even though its pumping function remains within a normal range.
2. Right-Sided Heart Failure
- Occurs when the right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the lungs.
- Causes fluid accumulation in the lower limbs, abdomen, and liver.
- Often a consequence of left-sided heart failure or chronic lung disease.
3. Biventricular Heart Failure
- A combination of both right- and left-sided heart failure.
- Leads to symptoms involving fluid retention in the lungs, legs, and abdomen.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Diabetes
- Heart valve disease
- Lung diseases (e.g., COPD)
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity
Symptoms to Watch For
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs and abdomen
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: Includes echocardiography, blood tests (BNP), ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Treatment: Lifestyle modifications, medications (diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), and, in severe cases, implantable devices or transplantation.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of CHF is essential for effective management. If you have symptoms of heart failure, seek medical advice early to prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27206819/
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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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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.