What you need to know about Congestive Heart Failure

Do you feel more tired and short of breath than usual when you walk or do work? Or do you wake up at night with difficulty breathing? Do your legs and ankles feel swollen? Many people think that these are normal symptoms of fatigue and aging, but sometimes these can be important signals that our heart is giving us. Today we are going to talk about a common but poorly understood condition called 'heart failure', or medically known as `(Congestive Heart Failure)`.

Simply put, what is heart failure?

Think about the water pump in your house. It supplies water to the entire house. What happens if this motor gets old and weak? It won't be able to pump water properly. The water goes into the tank. Maybe the water pressure in the pipes increases and leaks in places.

Our heart is like this. It is the motor of our body. The main function of the heart is to pump blood to every corner of the body. `(Heart Failure)` does not mean that the heart stops completely. What happens in this is that, for some reason, the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened. Just like that motor, the heart is also unable to pump the amount of blood the body needs.

What happens then? The blood that cannot be pumped starts to pool in the back. This way, blood pools in places like the lungs, legs, ankles, and stomach. That's why the word `(Congestive)` is used. This is a condition that gradually increases over time.

Do you also have these symptoms?

Symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop gradually.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don't be afraid that it is definitely ``Heart Failure''. But don't ignore it either. It is best to see your doctor as soon as possible and talk about this.

Why does the heart become so weak? What are the main causes?

There is not one single cause of heart failure, but a number of factors that can contribute to it. Some medical conditions can damage the heart and reduce its pumping ability over time.

Here are some of the main reasons:

• Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attack: This is the most common cause. When the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed by fatty deposits, the heart muscle does not get the oxygen it needs. If a heart attack occurs, part of the heart is permanently damaged and becomes weak.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (Hypertension): When you have high blood pressure for years, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. It's like lifting a heavy weight. Over time, the heart muscle can thicken and eventually weaken.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can directly damage blood vessels and the heart.
• Cardiomyopathy: Some infections, excessive alcohol use, or hereditary causes can cause the heart muscle to weaken.
• Heart Valve Problems: When the heart valves do not open and close properly, the heart has to work harder to pump blood.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with certain heart defects.
• Other conditions: Kidney disease, thyroid problems, and some cancer drugs (chemotherapy) can also cause this.

There are four stages of heart failure.

Doctors divide the condition into four stages (A, B, C, D). This makes it easier to determine the severity of the disease and plan treatment.

1. Stage A: These people do not yet have a weak heart. But they do have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. At this stage, the goal is to control those risk factors and try to prevent the disease from developing.

2. Stage B: These people may have some structural changes in their heart (e.g., after a heart attack), but they are not yet symptomatic. These people can also control their symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes.

3. Stage C: These people have heart failure and are also experiencing symptoms (such as shortness of breath and swelling in the legs). The main goal of treatment is to control symptoms, make life easier, and prevent the disease from getting worse.

4. Stage D: This is the final stage of the disease. These people have difficulty controlling their symptoms with standard treatments. They still have symptoms when they are alone. These people may need specialized treatment, possibly a heart transplant.

How is the diagnosis and treatment done?

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms, your family history, and any medications you take. Then, they will examine you. In addition, they may run several tests to confirm the diagnosis and find the cause.

• Blood tests: Check for things like kidney and thyroid function and anemia.
• Chest X-ray: Check the size of the heart and whether there is fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): This test checks the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems and pre-existing heart conditions.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): This is a very important test. It is like a scan of the heart. It can measure the size of the heart, the thickness of the heart muscle, the function of the valves, and how well the heart pumps blood (Ejection Fraction - EF).
• Other tests: Sometimes tests such as `(Stress test)` and `(Cardiac MRI)` may also be required.

Treatment methods

Although there is no complete cure for heart failure, through proper treatment and lifestyle changes, symptoms can be controlled, the disease can be slowed down, and people can live a comfortable, active life.

The treatment plan consists of two main parts:

1. Medications

Your doctor will prescribe several types of medications depending on your condition. These work to reduce the workload on your heart, control your blood pressure, remove excess fluid from your body, and protect your heart. For example, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics (water pills) are commonly used. It is extremely important to take the medications your doctor prescribes as prescribed, without missing a single day.

2. Lifestyle Changes

These things are just as important as medicines.

• Salt control: You should reduce the amount of salt you add to your diet. Salt increases fluid retention in the body, which increases the burden on the heart. Canned foods, sauces, and fast foods are high in salt.
• Fluid control: Some people may be advised by their doctor to limit the amount of water they drink per day.
• Daily Weighing: Weigh yourself at the same time every morning and record your weight. If you suddenly gain 1-2 kilos in two or three days, it means that you are retaining fluid in your body. If this happens, inform your doctor immediately.
• Healthy diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods. Reduce oil, sugar, and processed foods.
• Appropriate exercise: Ask your doctor about exercises that are suitable for you and are not strenuous. Even something as simple as walking is great.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol: Both of these are very bad for the heart.
• Control other diseases: If you have other diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is essential to control them well.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or if your symptoms worsen, be sure to see a doctor. In particular, be aware of the following:

• If it's hard to breathe even when just standing still.
• If swelling in the legs or abdomen suddenly increases.
• If you gain weight suddenly (more than 2 kg in a few days).
• If you constantly feel unbearable fatigue.

Heart failure is not something to be afraid of and give up on. It is a condition that can be managed, just like diabetes and high blood pressure. The most important thing is to follow the correct medical advice, take the right medications, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. With the support of your doctor and family, you can manage this condition well.

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