Understanding heart failure

The heart is the major organ of the circulatory system. It is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body by rhythmic, involuntary contractions. But what happens when it is no longer up to this important job?

Definition

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart becomes unable to pump blood normally and efficiently, depriving the body of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Every year in industrialized countries, this condition strikes one to five people out of 1,000, regardless of age. Most people suffering from HF, however, are over the age of 70.

Causes

HF rarely comes alone. In fact, it is often caused by other serious health problems, such as:

• Coronary heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Arrhythmias
• Diabetes
• A viral infection of the heart

An unhealthy lifestyle can also increase a person’s risk for HF. The excessive use of alcohol and drugs, smoking and obesity are all factors that can impair a person’s heart. 

Symptoms

When the heart can no longer adequately pump blood throughout the body, many symptoms can occur:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing at night (due to a build-up of fluids in the lungs)
• Swelling in the ankles and legs
• Sudden weight gain
• Loss or change in appetite
• Pale skin and cold extremities
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Need to urinate at night
• Abdominal pain

Treatments 

Heart failure normally requires changing your lifestyle and taking medications. Treatment should always be conducted under the supervision of a physician. Patients are normally asked to:

• Decrease their intake of salt to reduce fluid retention
• Reduce intake of liquids
• Remain active
• Wear support hose to decrease swelling of the legs
• If necessary, adopt a suitable weight loss program

At times, lifestyle changes and medication are not enough. A person with severe heart failure may then require surgery to install a pump or pacemaker.

Prevention

HF cannot always be prevented. There are, however, several ways to keep a heart physically fit. This includes:

• Eating a healthy diet low in fat (saturated and trans)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising on a regular basis
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Not smoking
• Reducing unnecessary stress
• Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol level and blood sugar

Pharmacy services

Once you have been diagnosed with heart failure, you must closely monitor certain indicators. We offer many professional pharmacy services to help you do just that.

• Medication management
• Monitoring of chronic diseases by the pharmacist