What kind of disease is heart failure?
Heart failure is "a disease of the heart that causes shortness of breath and swelling, which gradually gets worse and shortens life.
There are a variety of diseases that can cause heart problems, including myocardial infarction, valvular disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and many other causes.
When the heart fails, the flow of blood is blocked and water easily accumulates in the body.
Also, if the heart cannot pump enough blood, the body will not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
These symptoms may come on gradually or worsen rapidly.
Often it gets gradually worse while repeatedly getting better and worse,
Treatment must be continued over a long period of time to prevent worsening of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
Heart failure can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the condition of the body. Common symptoms are swelling of the legs and shortness of breath.
This is caused by water accumulation in the body.
Other symptoms include palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, decreased urine output, and weight gain due to swelling,
Various symptoms such as cold hands and feet may occur.
Shortness of breath can occur when the body is under strain, such as when climbing stairs or hills,
Shortness of breath may be worse when lying down at night.
In severe cases, severe breathing difficulties may occur, and the patient may cough violently with pink phlegm.
What tests are performed when heart failure is suspected?
If heart failure is suspected, multiple tests will be combined to make a diagnosis.
To determine if heart failure is present, what causes heart failure, and what the medical condition of heart failure is,
Blood tests, chest x-rays, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms are performed.
By measuring a blood test called brain natriuretic peptide (BNP),
It can tell if the heart is straining and help in the evaluation of heart failure.
Blood tests are also performed to check for other diseases that may cause heart failure and for abnormalities in other organs associated with heart failure.
Chest x-rays show an enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs and chest in the case of heart failure.
Electrocardiography and echocardiography are mainly used to check for arrhythmias and abnormalities in the movement and shape of the heart that may cause heart failure.
If the results of these tests indicate the need for further cardiac examination, the patient will be referred to a specialized facility,
CT and MRI scans and cardiac catheterization may also be performed.
What is the treatment for heart failure?
The goal of treatment of heart failure is to prevent worsening of the disease.
Treatment can be divided into two main categories: treatment of the heart failure itself and treatment of the disease that is causing the heart failure.
Treatment for heart failure itself is individualized according to the condition of the heart,
Typical treatments are diuretics to reduce swelling and drugs to protect the heart.
In addition to treatment with medication, it is also important to control blood pressure and weight, manage salt and water intake and other dietary factors, and exercise according to symptoms.
Treatment for the cause of heart failure must be tailored to the disease that is causing it.
For example, if it is caused by myocardial infarction, it would require treatment by cardiac catheterization or surgery, and so on,
If arrhythmia is the cause, it is necessary to suppress the arrhythmia with medication, pacemaker therapy, or catheterization.
If such advanced treatment is required, we will refer you to a specialized facility.
・What tests and treatments for heart failure are available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The tests and treatments for heart failure that can be performed at our clinic are as follows
Examinations: blood tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms
Treatment: oral prescriptions, nutritional guidance, exercise guidance
At our clinic, we provide careful care and a peaceful environment,
We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.