HEART FAILURE TREATMENT OPTIONS : MEDICATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Overview

Heart failure is the heart’s inability to pump enough blood and oxygen to the whole body. As a result, the heart cannot function as it should. Unfortunately, the medical condition is a lifelong one. But, the severity of the disease depends on the affected individual. Timely medications, positive lifestyle changes, and required medical assistance can help the affected individual avoid the disease’s severe symptoms. Negligence and procrastination in the treatment and medications to avoid heart failure can worsen the situation and make it difficult for the affected individual to lead a healthy lifestyle. A comprehensive understanding of heart disease will enable people to make informed health decisions, take proactive steps to prevent outbreaks through lifestyle changes, recognise early warning signs, and develop personalised treatment plans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure usually begin gradually and may appear during physical activity. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may occur even at rest. Symptoms of Heart disease are:Negligence and procrastination in the treatment and medications to avoid heart failure can worsen the situation and make it difficult for the affected individual to lead a healthy lifestyle. A comprehensive understanding of heart disease will enable people to make informed health decisions, take proactive steps to prevent outbreaks through lifestyle changes, recognise early warning signs, and develop personalised treatment plans.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular or rapid pulse
  • Persistent cough
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Anaemia
  • Kidney disease
  • Fatigue, faintness, weakness
  • Loss of appetite, indigestion
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Infection with high fever
  • Hyperthyroidism

Heart Failure Treatment Options

Heart failure treatment usually depends on the side effects of previous medical conditions. A common approach to heart failure treatment includes lifestyle changes and medications. If another health condition causes health failure, treating that condition may eliminate heart failure. Sometimes, heart failure patients may need surgery to open a blocked artery or implement devices to help the heart function. The disease is incurable but can be treated to improve symptoms.

Medication

Mentioned below are the medications for heart failure that can help the suffering individual recover from the symptoms of the disorder:

  • ARNIS
  • ACE inhibitors ARBs
  • Beta-blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics
  • SGLT2 inhibitors
  • Vericiguat
  • Digoxin
  • Positive inotropes IV

Procedures

Mentioned below are some of the procedures that can help to lower the symptoms and side effects of the medical disorder: Procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) may be recommended to improve blood flow to the heart. Depending on the severity of the heart condition, few cases may undergo the same procedures as women, including angioplasty or CABG surgery. Children may need surgery to correct structural heart defects or an implanted device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. In a few conditions, a heart transplant may be the solution. Older patients may undergo the same procedure as younger patients, such as angioplasty or CABG. However, the decision to undergo the invasive approach is carefully evaluated, considering the individual overall health and the potential risks associated with the surgery. Procedures such as Coronary Bypass Surgery, Surgery, Implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), Mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and heart transplant may also be recommended depending upon the severity of the condition.

Lifestyle Changes

Mentioned below are some simple lifestyle changes that can help to avoid the symptoms of heart failure and lower the side effects of the medical disorder: A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight are some ways to keep the heart healthy. Children with heart disease need age-appropriate lifestyle modifications. Dietary modification may include limiting sodium intake and providing adequate nutrition for growth and development. In addition, physical activity is recommended according to the child’s condition and limitations. Older adults with heart disease may have additional considerations due to age factors and other medical conditions. Therefore, older people should make lifestyle modifications according to general health, physical abilities, and limitations to stay active.