Frequency and Causes
Heart rhythm disorders, in which the heart beats irregularly, are a common complication of heart failure and can further worsen the condition. However, heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, can also trigger heart failure.
Heart failure is widespread, affecting about 1–2% of the adult population in developed countries. The prevalence increases with age—among people over 70, it is about 10%. The causes of heart failure are diverse. They include coronary artery disease and heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and alcohol abuse. In addition, there are numerous genetic factors that can contribute to the development of heart failure. Arrhythmias can also contribute to heart failure, as they force the heart to work harder to supply the body with blood.
The symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs and feet, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and reduced physical stamina.
The diagnosis of heart failure is based on a combination of symptoms, a physical examination, and specific tests, including blood tests, an ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and sometimes a cardiac catheterization.
Have you received a diagnosis and would like a second opinion, or are you unsure whether you have heart failure? One of our specialists would be happy to take the time to see you during a consultation.
This can be achieved through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and, in suitable patients, interventional procedures.
The specific choice of medications depends on the type and severity of heart failure. Commonly used medications include:
In addition to medications and lifestyle changes, there are also a number of device-based and interventional treatments that can be used for heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
One of these treatment options is cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this therapy, a special pacemaker is implanted to help restore synchronized contraction of the two ventricles—with the goal of alleviating the symptoms of heart failure, slowing the progression of the disease, and improving quality of life. For atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that often occurs in people with heart failure, an interventional treatment such as catheter ablation can be helpful. In this procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart and then used to ablate small areas of the heart that are causing the irregular heartbeats. This can help control atrial fibrillation and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure.
Similar to the prevention of atrial fibrillation, preventing heart failure involves managing risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and receiving regular checkups from a doctor.
Heart failure is a serious condition that can significantly shorten life expectancy. Without treatment, its prognosis is just as fatal as that of the most aggressive forms of cancer. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and deaths among older adults. In addition, heart failure can increase the risk of other conditions, including kidney failure, liver problems, and respiratory diseases.
Modern treatment is now able to enable many affected patients to lead active and fulfilling lives, despite the severity of their heart failure. Early diagnosis and good medical care can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
