Heart failure

Heart Failure develops when the heart cannot pump sufficient
blood to provide the body with oxygen and nutrients. Heart Failure
is closely associated with many types of heart disease.

DESCRIPTION

Heart Failure may be left sided, right sided or Congestive
Heart Failure (affecting both sides of the heart). Left sided Heart
Failure interferes with blood delivery to the body, causing blood
to “back up” in the lungs. Right sided Heart Failure leads to
difficulties moving blood through the lungs, causing the blood to
back up in the body tissues. Congestive Heart Failure has features
of both right and left Heart Failure.

Heart Failure can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute Heart
Failure occurs when a sudden decrease in blood output causes acute
oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) in the tissues. This may lead to
cardiogenic shock. Causes of acute Heart Failure include heart
attack, embolism (blood clot), severe arrhythmia or severe
hypertension. 

Chronic Heart Failure occurs when there is a gradual decrease in
blood output. There may be no symptoms as the heart will initially
enlarge to compensate. Causes include chronic high blood pressure,
lung disease, previous acute heart failure and ageing.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Left Heart Failure. The pressure of blood in the lungs leads
to:

• Shortness of breath (particularly at night and on
  exertion).
• Fatigue and anxiety.
• Rapid pulse.
• Moist cough with large amounts of pink, blood tinged
  sputum.

Right Heart Failure. The pressure of blood within the body
tissues leads to:

• Swelling in the legs and ankles. 
• Enlarged spleen and liver.
• Bulging neck veins.
• Loss of appetite, weakness and nausea.
• Frequent nighttime urination.
   

Congestive Heart Failure features symptoms of both
sides.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In no way is this information intended to replace the advice
of a medical practitioner. Always see your Doctor for diagnosis and
advice.

• Heart Failure is a serious medical condition and requires
  ongoing monitoring and management by a medical
  practitioner. 
• Treatment is aimed at reducing the workload of the heart and
  preventing excess fluid build-up in the lungs and body.
• Your Doctor may prescribe diuretic drugs that help reduce the
  amount of fluid in the body, and/or heart drugs that reduce the
  heart’s workload and improve its strength. 
• See the Heart Disease and Heart Disease – Prevention topics for
  more information.

DIET HINTS

Always follow the advice of your medical practitioner.

• See the Heart Diet and the Healthy Eating Diet for more
  information.
• People with Heart Failure may be placed on a fluid restriction.
  Your Doctor will calculate how much fluid you may drink each day.
  Apart from drinks, fluids include anything that is liquid at room
  temperature, such as soup, custard, ice cream, yoghurt and
  jelly.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary
vitamin intake is inadequate. 

• Some studies have shown Coenzyme Q10 to be effective in
  improving heart function and reducing high blood
  pressure. 
• Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to
  reduce blood pressure.
• Garlic is thought to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood
  pressure. Patients taking anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs)
  should NOT take garlic supplements.

ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Heart Foundation of Australia topic on the
Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Follow the diet hints.
2. If you have any queries about your medication please ask your
   Pharmacist.
3. Reduce or eliminate cardiac risk factors. These include
   obesity, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, sedentary
   lifestyle and diabetes mellitus.
4. Stress is thought to play a role in many cases of heart
   failure. Ask your Pharmacist about stress management and relaxation
   techniques.
5. Heavy alcohol use is associated with Heart Failure. Ask your
   Pharmacist for advice if you are a heavy drinker.
6. Caffeine intake (tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks) should be
   reduced, as it raises blood pressure and makes the blood vessels
   less flexible.