Important Facts About Heart Failure

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HEART FAILURE General Heart Disease Facts: Heart disease accounts for 36% of American deaths annually - the number one cause in the United States. Heart disease deaths are split evenly among the Approximately 79 million Americans have a form of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and physical inactivity are the leading risk factors. LEFT-SIDED HEART FAILURE Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left part of the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. According to the New York Times, left-sided heart failure occurs in approximately 1 to 3 of every 100 people. Risk of left-sided heart failure increases with age In children, heart birth defects, such as abnormal heart valves, abnormal blood vessel connections and viral infections are common causes. Causes of left-sided heart failure can include: rapid alcohol consumption, heart attack, high blood pressure, leaking heart valves, diseases that damage the heart muscle and hypothyroidism. Types of Left-Sided Heart Failure: 1- Systolic failure: When the left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally, this is systolic failure. The heart can't pump with the force necessary to pump blood throughout the body. 2- Diastolic failure: (also called diastolic dysfunction): When the left ventricle loses its ability to relax normally – this happens when the heart muscles become stiff. During the resting period between beats, the heart is unable to take in blood. Symptoms of Left-Sided Heart Failure Coughing up blood-tinged mucus Palpitations Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath Shortness of Breath Rapid pulse Weight Gain due to fluid retention RIGHT-SIDED HEART FAILURE Right-sided or right ventricular (RV) heart failure is usually a result of the left-side failing first. When the left ventricle fails, increased fluid pressure is, in effect, transferred back through the lungs, ultimately damaging the heart's right side. Losing pumping power on the right side will force the blood back into the veins of the body. This will cause visible swelling in the legs and ankles. H. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE People with congestive heart failure must seek medical attention immediately. Swelling in the legs, ankles, and other areas of the body is common with congestive heart failure as blood is backed up in the veins and body tissue. When fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath, pulmonary edema occurs. Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/left-sided-heart-failure/overview.html, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/AboutHeartFailure/Types-of-Heart-Failure_UCM_306323_Article.jsp http://dailyinfographic.com/heart-disease-infographic CARDIOKINETIX