Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the needs of the body.
Despite its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working; it means that the heart’s pumping power is weaker than normal, which can lead to a variety of health issues.
Several conditions and problems can lead to heart failure.
Heart failure can become life-threatening, so it is important to seek care. With proper monitoring and treatment, people can often live with heart failure.
Heart surgeons at WashU Medicine provide advanced treatments at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center to help you lead a longer, more active life.
Cardiac surgeons at WashU Medicine
Heart surgeons at WashU Medicine see patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the nation for heart and vascular care, as well as convenient locations across the region.
Causes of heart failure
Several factors can lead to heart failure:
- Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart
- High blood pressure: Forcing the heart to work harder than normal
- Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle
- Heart attack: Blocking of blood flow to heart muscle
- Heart valve disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic lung disease
- Obesity
Symptoms of heart failure
Recognizing the signs of heart failure is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or when lying down
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet (called edema)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Swelling of the abdomen (called ascites)
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
Get a second opinion
Our Heart Second Opinion Program was created for patients diagnosed with any heart condition, or for patients who have been told they need a heart-related surgical procedure.
Diagnosis of heart failure
Diagnosing heart failure typically involves a combination of the following:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests to check for signs of kidney, liver, and thyroid problems, and to measure certain substances in the blood
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity
- Chest X-ray to observe the size and shape of the heart and detect fluid in the lungs
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function using ultrasound waves
- Stress tests to evaluate the heart under physical activity
- Cardiac MRI/CT scan for detailed images of the heart’s structure and function
Types and stages of heart failure
Heart failure can be classified into two main types:
- Left-sided heart failure: affecting the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber
- Right-sided heart failure: affecting the right ventricle, responsible for pumping blood to the lungs
Heart failure is also categorized into stages, from A to D:
- Stage A: At high risk for heart failure but without structural heart disease or symptoms
- Stage B: Heart disease but without symptoms
- Stage C: Heart disease with prior or current symptoms
- Stage D: Advanced heart disease requiring specialized treatments
Treatment of heart failure
Treatment aims to improve the heart’s function and alleviate symptoms. Options include:
- Medications: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and others
- Lifestyle changes: Low-sodium diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol
- Medical devices: Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), ventricular assist devices (VAD)
- Surgery: Coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, and, in severe cases, heart transplant
Heart & Vascular Center
Achieving excellence through patient care, research and education is the mission of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart and Vascular Center.
Our team of physicians and nurses are committed to improving heart and vascular health through their expertise, collaboration and compassion.
Living with heart failure
Managing heart failure requires a proactive approach, meaning you must take steps for your health:
- Regular medical follow-ups: Stay on top of your condition with regular checkups.
- Symptom monitoring: Keep track of symptoms and report any changes to your health care provider.
- Medication adherence: Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise as recommended, and avoid harmful habits.
Heart failure is a serious condition, but with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, many people continue to lead fulfilling lives.