How is Heart Failure Treated?

According to the Heart Failure Society of America, heart failure, which can be diagnosed in various stages and types, is estimated to account for about 8.5% of all heart disease deaths in the United States.

Cardiologist Waddy Gonzalez, MD, Northern Nevada Medical Group, explains that although the condition is non-curable, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and progression.

What is heart failure?

The body depends on the heart to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the cells. Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to do that, the body is no longer able to function as normal. This can cause the body to have to work harder to function and can manifest as various symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest palpitations, coughing and more.

What is the first step in diagnosing heart failure?

To better understand a patient’s condition, an echocardiogram is the first step in the process. This imaging allows for a physician to look at how the heart and valves are functioning and assess the heart’s ability to pump blood.

In addition, blood tests are also used to diagnose heart failure by reviewing levels of various biomarkers to determine how well the liver and kidneys are working, and how various levels might affect certain medications.

What treatment options are available to patients who are diagnosed with heart failure?

Regardless of the type of heart failure a patient is diagnosed with, medication will typically be the cornerstone of treatment, as they have shown efficacy in improving survival rates and increasing quality of life of patients.

Heart failure can also be a result of a multitude of issues within the heart and body. Depending on those other health conditions, some patients may also need treatment to open the vessels and valves in their heart.

How might a family member or care giver support a heart failure patient?

Social support of a patient experiencing heart failure is very important and beneficial to the patient’s wellbeing. Support can be shown by accompanying a patient to appointments, encouraging them to maintain lifestyle changes, assisting with medication management, and more.

Patients with a supportive environment have an increased chance of responding better to medication and maintaining changes to their diet and lifestyle necessary to manage their symptoms.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or get to the emergency department closest to you.