What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a serious medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the body’s organs and tissues. It can manifest as either a weakened pumping capacity (systolic heart failure) or a stiffened, less flexible heart muscle (diastolic heart failure).

Regardless of the specific type, heart failure is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and ongoing treatment. Without proper care, it can result in a reduced quality of life, frequent hospitalisations, and, ultimately, a significantly increased risk of mortality.

Treating heart failure is crucial to alleviate symptoms, improve the patient’s overall well-being, and extend their life expectancy. Seeking timely treatment is paramount in managing this condition effectively.

What is the best treatment for heart failure?

The treatment of heart failure is a multifaceted approach aimed at relieving symptoms, improving the heart’s function, and enhancing the patient’s quality of life. Here are some of the treatment options for heart failure in Melbourne:

Medications

Various medications are prescribed to address different aspects of heart failure. Common drugs include:

Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup
ACE inhibitors or ARBs to relax blood vessels
Beta-blockers to slow the heart rate
Aldosterone antagonists to prevent further damage to the heart.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Many individuals with heart failure benefit from cardiac rehabilitation programs. These structured exercise and education programs are tailored to improve physical fitness, boost confidence, and enhance patients’ understanding of their condition.

Surgical Interventions

In certain cases, surgical procedures may be necessary. These can include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, or implantation of devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. Patients are encouraged to follow a low-sodium diet, quit smoking, engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. These changes promote overall cardiovascular health.

Symptom Management

Effective management of heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath and edema, is vital. Patients may need to adjust their medication dosages, and regular check-ups are essential to monitor their condition.

Regular Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring of heart function, fluid retention, and overall health is critical. Melbourne’s healthcare system offers advanced technology for remote monitoring, ensuring patients receive timely interventions.

What are the tests used to diagnose heart failure?

Diagnosing heart failure involves a series of tests and evaluations to assess the heart’s structure and function, as well as its ability to pump blood effectively. These tests include the following:

Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It helps evaluate the heart’s size, shape, and overall function, including the measurement of ejection fraction, a critical parameter in diagnosing heart failure.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and can detect irregular rhythms, signs of previous heart attacks, and other cardiac abnormalities.
Blood Tests: Blood samples are analysed to measure various biomarkers, such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin, which can indicate heart failure and other cardiac conditions.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal the size of the heart and the presence of lung congestion, both common signs of heart failure.
Stress Testing: Stress tests, often done on a treadmill or with medication, monitor the heart’s response to physical exertion. They can identify exercise-induced symptoms and evaluate exercise tolerance.
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This advanced imaging technique provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, offering valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
CT Angiography: Computed tomography (CT) angiography can help identify any blockages or structural issues in the coronary arteries and the heart’s blood vessels, and is a less invasive way of imaging the coronary arteries.
Coronary Angiography: A more invasive procedure, coronary angiography involves injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries to visualise blockages and assess blood flow to the heart muscle.
Myocardial Biopsy: In rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken from the heart muscle for analysis to diagnose certain conditions, including myocarditis.
Holter Monitor: This portable device records the heart’s electrical activity over an extended period, usually 24 to 48 hours, to detect irregular rhythms or symptoms that occur infrequently.

What are symptoms of heart failure?

Common symptoms of heart failure include:

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): This is often the most noticeable symptom. It can occur during physical activity or even at rest, often worsened when lying flat (orthopnea) or waking up at night with breathlessness (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
Fatigue and Weakness: Individuals with heart failure often experience persistent tiredness and a reduced ability to perform physical activities.
Swelling (Oedema): Fluid retention can lead to swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes in the abdomen. Clothes and shoes may feel tight.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Heart palpitations, a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat, can be a symptom of heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common arrhythmia associated with heart failure.
Persistent Cough: A chronic cough, often accompanied by pink, frothy mucus, can be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Difficulty in performing physical activities that were once manageable is a common symptom. Patients may feel tired and out of breath more quickly.
Weight Gain: Sudden and unexplained weight gain can be due to fluid retention, a hallmark of heart failure.
Loss of Appetite: Heart failure can lead to a reduced appetite, often due to abdominal swelling and discomfort.
Nausea and Abdominal Pain: Some individuals may experience digestive symptoms, including nausea, a feeling of fullness, and abdominal discomfort.
Confusion or Impaired Thinking: Decreased blood flow to the brain may result in difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or confusion.

What are the potential complications of heart failure?

Heart failure is a complex and serious condition that can lead to various complications, some of which may be life-threatening if not adequately managed. Here are some potential complications of heart failure:

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Heart failure can disrupt the heart’s electrical conduction system, leading to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation. These can reduce the heart’s pumping efficiency and increase the risk of blood clots.
Pulmonary Edema: Severe heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to acute pulmonary edema. This condition can result in extreme shortness of breath and require immediate medical attention.
Kidney Dysfunction: Heart failure can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing kidney dysfunction or acute kidney injury. This can result in fluid and waste buildup in the body.
Liver Congestion: Stagnant blood flow due to heart failure can lead to liver congestion and impair liver function, causing abdominal discomfort and abnormal liver enzyme levels.
Edema and Fluid Retention: Heart failure often causes fluid to accumulate in the legs, ankles, and other parts of the body, resulting in edema. This can be uncomfortable and limit mobility.
Chest Pain: Angina (chest pain) may occur when the heart doesn’t receive an adequate blood supply due to coronary artery disease, which often coexists with heart failure.
Blood Clots: Blood pooling in the heart’s chambers can increase the risk of blood clots. These clots can dislodge and block blood flow to vital organs, causing stroke or other complications.

Where can I go if I need treatment for heart failure?

You can receive treatment for heart failure at HeartWest, the largest cardiology group in the western and northwestern corridors of Melbourne, with 4 major locations and 3 satellite sites.

At HeartWest, our qualified experts will provide you with high quality cardiology care. You will experience nothing but professionalism, care and courtesy; from your first interaction with our staff, to going through tests, procedures and consultations.

Our cardiologists have expertise in all fields of adult cardiology, including;

General cardiology
Heart failure
Cardiac imaging (including stress echocardiography)
Interventional cardiology
Electrophysiology & pacing
Cardiothoracic surgery

Common Heart Failure Treatment Questions

How often should I see my healthcare provider for heart failure management?

The frequency of visits depends on the individual’s condition, but regular follow-ups are essential to monitor symptoms, adjust medications, and evaluate overall health.

Can heart failure be cured?

Heart failure is typically a chronic condition, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, symptoms can often be managed effectively, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

What is the long-term outlook and life expectancy for someone with heart failure?

The prognosis varies depending on the severity of heart failure and individual factors. With appropriate care, many people can live a relatively long and active life despite their condition.

Is heart failure the same as a heart attack?

No, they are distinct conditions. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when there is a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to damage to the heart muscle. Heart failure, on the other hand, is a chronic condition where the heart cannot effectively pump blood.

Can heart failure patients live a normal life with treatment?

With proper treatment, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to medical advice, many heart failure patients can lead fulfilling lives. Regular monitoring and management are essential to help manage the condition.

Heart Failure Treatment Melbourne: Advanced Cardiovascular Management in Melbourne