Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 2/16/2022
Doctor's Notes on Heart Failure Early Signs and Symptoms
Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle is unable to adequately pump blood through the body; blood backs up and puts pressure on the blood vessels that cause water to leak out into the tissues of the body and cause signs and symptoms. Heart failure can occur in the right ventricle or the left ventricle of the heart. The following are 8 signs or symptoms of right heart failure and left heart failure:
- Right heart failure symptoms include
- weight gain that can occur gradually or quickly,
- leg swelling and/or peripheral edema and
- increased urination.
- Left heart failure symptoms include
- shortness of breath on exertion,
- fatigue and exercise intolerance,
- shortness of breath when lying flat (orthopnea),
- paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (waking at night with the feeling of suffocating and/or shortness of breath) and
- plural effusions (accumulation in the lungs causing increasing severity of shortness of breath).
The causes of all of the symptoms and signs of heart failure are due to the heart muscle’s inability to adequately pump blood into the arteries that results in an accumulation of fluid within body tissues.
What are the treatments for early heart failure?
The treatments for early heart failure are mainly medications that lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, decrease fluids and improve heart functions. The general medical categories with some examples include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - enalapril, lisinopril
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers – losartan, valsartan
- Beta blockers – metoprolol, carvedilol
- Diuretics – furosemide
- Aldosterone antagonists – spironolactone, eplerenone
- Digoxin
- Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate
- Vericiguat
- Other possible drugs to treat symptoms – nitrates, statins
Many patients with early heart failure take more than one or two combinations of the drugs listed above, usually as out patients, prescribed by their doctors. These drugs plus other procedures, including surgery, are used for chronic and/or severe heart failure.
Heart Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionIn the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Can You Reverse Heart Failure?
My father had a heart attack last month due to congestive heart failure. I really want him to start taking his health seriously; he’s in a stressful job and doesn’t pay much attention to what he eats or what kind of exercise he gets. Can heart failure get better? Can you reverse heart failure? -
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's tissues. Learn about symptoms and treatment. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are several causes of fatigue from sleep disturbances to some diseases or conditions. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease causing fatigue. -
Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of different types of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease depend on the cause and inclue chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Many conditions causes heart disease, for example, genetics, obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for heart disease depend on the cause and include diet and other lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and surgery. The prognosis (outlook) and life span for someone with heart disease varies depending on the cause. -
How Long Can You Live with Congestive Heart Failure?
The life expectancy for congestive heart failure depends on the cause of heart failure, its severity, and other underlying medical conditions. -
Incontinence FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence types, causes, health factors, symptoms, tests, treatment, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. -
Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Complications
Pleural effusion is an excess of fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of pleural effusion: transudate and exudate. The treatment of pleural effusion depends on the cause. -
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema is a collection of excess fluid in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is classified as either cardiogenic (caused by heart problems) and non-cardiogenic. The primary symptom of pulmonary edema is shortness of breath. Pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening medical situation. The treatment for pulmonary edema can be ICU care in some cases, and medication in other cases. -
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is when there's an involuntary loss of urine. There are many types of incontinence, including urge incontinence (overactive bladder), mixed incontinence, reflex incontinence, and stress incontinence. Potential causes of incontinence include overactive bladder muscles, weak bladder muscles, blockage of urine flow, and nerve damage. Treatment may involve dietary changes and exercise, including Kegel exercises and using vaginal weights. -
What Are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?
The four stages of heart failure are classified by the letters A, B, C and D. “A” is the least severe stage with no symptoms, and the scale progresses to “D,” the most severe, requiring aggressive medical treatment. -
Why Are Diuretics Used in Heart Failure?
Diuretics (water pills) help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt in the body, which makes it easier for the heart to pump. The definition of heart failure means the heart is not pumping as it should to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Diuretics are frequently used to treat swelling and water buildup caused by heart failure.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.