Understanding Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

The heart is an important organ of the human body, responsible for transporting blood to the whole body and providing sufficient oxygen and nutrients. “Heart failure” means that the heart cannot pump blood normally, resulting in insufficient blood flow to various organs of the body, lack of oxygen and nutrition; blood is also difficult to return to the heart, resulting in water accumulation in the whole body, especially in the lungs, causing hypoxia exacerbated.

The heart has 4 “chambers” (Heart chambers), the two upper chambers are the “Right atrium” (Right atrium) and the “Left atrium” (Left atrium), and the two lower chambers are the “Right ventricle” (Right ventricle) ) and the Left ventricle. Blood returns from various organs of the body to the right atrium, enters the right ventricle, and then flows to the lungs; after absorbing oxygen, the blood cells pass through the left atrium to the left ventricle, and then are sent to the organs and tissues of the whole body. When the body performs physical activity, it needs more oxygen; if the heart fails, it cannot meet the oxygen demand of various organs in the body.

There are two types of heart failure: Systolic heart failure and Diastolic heart failure. In the former case, the heart muscle is weak and the pumping power of the left ventricle is insufficient; in the latter case, the heart muscle is stiff, and the blood flow back to the left ventricle is reduced, thus affecting the pumping ability of the heart.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, especially after exercise, and patients must reduce their activities. Lying down during sleep can increase the return of blood from the lower limbs, which is more likely to cause hydrops in the lungs and induce shortness of breath and coughing; adding a few pillows to elevate the upper body can help relieve symptoms. Other symptoms of heart failure include getting tired easily, feeling weak, dizzy, fast heart rate, and swollen feet and abdomen. Edema makes patients gain weight, but if the condition is severe, it will lead to weight loss.

Heart failure can lead to other complications that can worsen the condition and even be life-threatening. The patient develops arrhythmia, which makes the heart weaker. Abnormal heartbeat of patients, such as “atrial fibrillation”, clots may appear in the left atrium; blood clots on the brain, can lead to “ischemic stroke”, which is life-threatening.

The various organs of the human body must cooperate with each other. Severe heart failure may affect the function of the kidneys and liver and further aggravate the condition.

Written by: Leung Hsien-sun Hematology and Hematology Oncology Physician

Column Name: Medical Qing Medical Conditions

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Understanding Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

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