Normal Healthy Heart
In a normal, the right atrium of the heart draws in blood that is low in oxygen and conveys it to the lungs through the right ventricle. In the lungs, the blood gets enriched with oxygen and flows back to the heart, entering the left atrium and then the left ventricle, which pumps it out to the body’s organs and tissues.
Chronic Heart Failure
In Chronic heart failure, this process is disrupted, and the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a range of symptoms that can affect daily life. Chronic heart failure is a serious condition that requires ongoing management and can lead to complications if left untreated.
There are many different causes of chronic heart failure, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing heart failure include smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.
Some of the most common symptoms of chronic heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and a persistent cough. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and the underlying cause of their heart failure.
- In heart failure, the right atrium receives oxygen-poor blood and transfers it to the lungs through the right ventricle for oxygenation.
- Once oxygen-rich blood is obtained, it flows from the lungs via the pulmonary veins into the left atrium, and then onto a weakened left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood out to the rest of the body.
- Sometimes, in heart failure, the mitral valve doesn’t close entirely after the blood flows through, causing blood to flow back in the wrong direction and reduce the heart’s efficiency.
- Initially, the heart’s ventricles may try to compensate for the weakened left ventricle by increasing muscle mass, leading to a thicker wall. However, over time, the heart muscle can become weaker and thinner, resulting in a decreased ability to pump blood effectively.
Treatment
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for chronic heart failure, including medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. With the right management, many people with chronic heart failure are able to live full and active lives.
Four Ways to Stay Out of the Hospital
- Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment with Korban Cardiology as soon as possible if you have heart failure. Research indicates that individuals who visit their doctor within 30 days of being discharged from the hospital are less likely to be readmitted. The checkup provides an opportunity for your doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
- Understand your medications: It’s important to be familiar with your medications. Learn about the mechanism of action of each drug you are prescribed and follow the instructions for taking them correctly. Additionally, staying consistent with your medication regimen is crucial. Some medications have been demonstrated to reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions.
- Ask about transitional care: Transitional care options can vary from telehealth consultations and phone conversations with our providers to attending appointments at a Korban Cardiology and receiving visits from a nurse at home.
- Monitor your progress: If you experience sudden weight gain, leg swelling, or shortness of breath, inform your doctor immediately, as these are indications that your heart failure is deteriorating. Early intervention can assist in preventing hospitalization.