Heart Failure
Our expert physicians at Trinity Health Michigan combine knowledge and experience in their personal approach to treating your heart failure. We'll work alongside you to construct a comprehensive treatment plan – including education, medication and post-operative care – to treat your condition to its fullest extent.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is also called "congestive heart failure" and is a condition in which your heart is pumping blood throughout your body inefficiently due to damage by a cardiovascular disease. When heart failure occurs, the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs to maintain healthy tissues.
It's important to note that heart failure is a process, not a disease. The heart doesn't just suddenly fail but weakens over time (months to years) and eventually fails to pump blood out of the heart, causing fluid buildup in both the heart tissues and lungs. This is why heart failure is sometimes referred to as "congestive heart failure".
Symptoms
- Abnormal Heart Rate
- Fatigue
- Fluid Retention
- Loss of Appetite
- Shortness of Breath
- Weight Gain
- Wheezing or Coughing
Diagnosis
Physicians can make a preliminary diagnosis by assessing medical history and a physical examination. A definitive diagnosis can be achieved by heart tests such as angiography, electrocardiogram and stress test.
Treatment
We take several courses of action depending on the severity of your heart failure. The first step in treating your condition will be dietary restrictions and other lifestyle changes. Your physician may consider the use of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker, to help your heart pump blood properly. A medication regiment may also be prescribed and, in extreme circumstances, surgical procedures may need to occur.
Risk Factors
- Age
- Diabetes
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Smoking