Heart Failure is a commonly seen condition amongst our aging population. In spite of advanced therapeutic science, incidence rates continue to increase. Life expectancy of patients with Heart Failure can be improved with lifestyle changes and compliance with their treatment plan. Mumbai-based cardiologist, Dr Nihar Mehta explains Heart Failure comprehensively.
What are the risk factors associated with heart failure?
Patients prone to heart diseases are all prone to heart failure as well. This includes patients with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, family history of heart attacks, heart valve diseases, arrhythmias, renal failure, anemia, thyroid diseases, etc. Rarely, the heart can be affected by congenital heart disease from birth, diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), infections of the heart (myocarditis, endocarditis), chemotherapy agents and other cardio-toxic agents, etc.
Can people with low blood pressure suffer from Heart Failure?
Yes. When people with low blood pressure have heart failure, they have to be started on medications to increase blood pressure and organ perfusion. In case the blood pressure cannot be increased with medications alone, special devices like intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP), Impella pump, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) or LVAD (left ventricular assist devices) can be used to improve the cardiac output.
Changed
16/Mar/2025
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