Heart Failure: Things you should know (Questions and Answers)

The book introduces heart failure as a condition where the heart is too weak to pump blood effectively, while clarifying that it does not mean the heart has stopped working. It explains the difference between left-sided and right-sided heart failure and how both may occur together. The role of ejection fraction in assessing severity is also discussed.

Topics include coronary heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, anemia, edema, ischemic disorders, and cardiac remodeling. It highlights how lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and diabetes contribute to heart failure, as well as other links such as hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea.

Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, edema, weight gain, palpitations, jugular vein distension, ascites, nocturia, and cyanosis are explained. Complications including pulmonary symptoms, kidney failure, cirrhosis, stroke, and sudden death are also covered.

Diagnostic methods like blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, and stress tests are outlined. Treatment approaches include beta blockers, diuretics, anticoagulants, enzyme inhibitors, pacemakers, and lifestyle adjustments such as diet and physical activity.

A useful reference for students, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in understanding heart failure and its management.