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Heart failure

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic condition where the heart can’t pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. This means that the heart is either too weak to pump blood or too stiff to relax and fill properly. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and body, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Here are some key things to know about heart failure:

Types

  • Systolic heart failure: Occurs when the heart muscle is weak and can’t contract effectively.
  • Diastolic heart failure: Occurs when the heart muscle is stiff and can’t relax and fill properly.

Causes

  • Coronary artery disease: The most common cause, narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
  • High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken the heart muscle over time.
  • Heart valve disease: Leaky or narrowed heart valves can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
  • Other conditions: Diabetes, thyroid problems, and some infections can also contribute to heart failure.

Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exerting yourself
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Coughing, especially at night
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Reduced appetite
  • Frequent urination at night

Treatment

  • Lifestyle changes: Exercise, healthy diet, weight management, smoking cessation, and managing other medical conditions like diabetes.
  • Medications: Diuretics to remove fluid, ACE inhibitors and ARBs to lower blood pressure, beta-blockers to slow the heart rate, and other medications depending on the specific cause of heart failure.
  • Devices: Pacemakers to regulate the heart rhythm, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden death, and ventricular assist devices (VADs) to assist with pumping blood.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, heart valve surgery or heart transplant may be necessary.

Prevention

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing heart failure. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing other medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Early detection and treatment of heart conditions that can lead to heart failure, like coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, is also important.

Heart Failure Surgery

Heart failure surgery is a medical procedure to improve the function of a failing heart. It is usually performed when other treatments, such as medications and lifestyle changes, have not been effective in managing the condition.

There are several types of heart failure surgery, including:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): 

Performed to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

  • Valve repair or replacement: 

Performed to repair or replace damaged heart valves that are not functioning properly.

  • Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation: 

A VAD is a mechanical pump that is implanted in the chest to help the heart pump blood.

  • Heart transplant: 

This surgery is performed to replace a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.

 

Procedure USA (Average Cost) Germany (Average Cost)
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) $80,000 — $150,000 $30,000 — $60,000
Valve repair or replacement $40,000 — $100,000 $20,000 — $50,000
Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation $100,000 — $200,000 $35,000 — $50,000

The type of heart failure surgery that is recommended for a patient will depend on the individual’s specific condition and needs.

Benefits of Heart Failure Surgery

Heart failure surgery can provide several benefits for patients, including:

  • Improved quality of life
  • Reduced symptoms of heart failure
  • Increased survival rates
  • Improved ability to exercise and participate in activities

Recovery from Heart Failure Surgery

The recovery time from heart failure surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s individual health. Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. After discharge from the hospital, patients will need to continue to follow their doctor’s instructions for care and recovery.

 

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