Heart transplants are surgical procedures that replace a diseased or damaged heart with a healthy donor heart. They are usually performed as a last resort for patients with end-stage heart failure, meaning their heart is unable to pump enough blood for their body.
Heart failure can have many different causes, such as:
Coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle
Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that weakens or enlarges the heart muscle
Congenital heart defects, which are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth
Heart valve disease, which is a condition that affects the opening and closing of the heart valves
Arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms that can affect the heart’s pumping ability
Infections, such as viral myocarditis, which can damage the heart muscle
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, which can have toxic effects on the heart
Heart failure can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:
Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exercising
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, abdomen, or veins in the neck
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Persistent cough or wheezing, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum
Loss of appetite or nausea
Difficulty concentrating or confusion
Reduced urine output or increased urination at night
To diagnose heart failure, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
Blood tests, to check for signs of infection, anemia, kidney function, liver function, thyroid function, and other conditions that can affect the heart
Chest X-ray, to see the size and shape of the heart and lungs
Electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the electrical activity of the heart and detect any arrhythmias
Echocardiogram, to use sound waves to create a picture of the heart and evaluate its pumping function and structure
Cardiac catheterization, to insert a thin tube into a blood vessel and inject a dye that shows the blood flow through the heart and its arteries
Cardiac MRI, to use a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and its tissues
Nuclear scan, to inject a radioactive substance into the bloodstream and use a special camera to see how well the heart pumps blood
Heart failure is treated by relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, preventing complications, and slowing the progression of the disease. Some of the common treatments are:
Diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), aldosterone antagonists, nitrates, hydralazine, digoxin, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, reducing salt and fluid intake, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and monitoring weight and blood pressure are just a few of the lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health
Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are examples of devices.
Surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, septal defect closure, or heart transplant
The best way to prevent heart failure is to reduce the risk factors that can damage the heart, such as:
High blood pressure, which can strain the heart and damage the arteries
High cholesterol, which can clog the arteries and reduce the blood flow to the heart
Diabetes, which can increase the risk of coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy
Obesity, which can increase the workload of the heart and the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
Smoking, which can damage the lining of the arteries and reduce the oxygen supply to the heart
Alcohol abuse, which can weaken the heart muscle and cause arrhythmias
Physical inactivity, which can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Stress, which can raise the blood pressure and heart rate and trigger the release of hormones that can damage the heart
To prevent heart failure, it is important to:
Have regular check-ups with a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment plan
Take the medications as directed and report any side effects or changes in symptoms
Monitor the blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight and keep them within the recommended ranges
Eat a balanced diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and added sugars and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or as advised by a doctor
Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men
Manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi
Seek emotional support from family, friends, or a counselor if needed
