What is it?
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other tissues.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or lying flat
- Leg swelling (edema)
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
Why it Matters
Heart failure can worsen over time if untreated, leading to repeated hospitalizations and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis and management improve outcomes.
How it’s Diagnosed
- Physical exam
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests (BNP/NT-proBNP)
- Stress test or angiogram if CAD suspected
Treatment Options at Flow Heart & Vascular
- Lifestyle modifications (low sodium diet, weight management)
- Medications (diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARNIs, SGLT2 inhibitors)
- Device therapy in select patients (ICD, CRT)
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing these symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, schedule an appointment with Flow Heart & Vascular today.
