What Is Heart Failure – and How Do You Know If You Have It?
Heart failure affects the heart’s ability to pump enough blood, but you may not have symptoms.
If you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure, it can be scary because it sounds like your heart is no longer working. But heart failure doesn’t mean your heart is not working – it just means it’s not working as well as it should. Although it is a serious condition and has no cure, many people with heart failure lead full lives, as long as the condition is managed properly.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle can’t pump well enough to keep up with the body’s demands for oxygen-rich blood. When this happens, a person may experience fatigue, breathing problems, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
“Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs,” says Joseph Rahman MD, PIH Health cardiologist. “The heart continues to work, but it’s not as effective. Early detection is key in managing the condition and helping people live their lives as fully as possible.”
Is it easy to know if you have heart failure?
In the early stages of heart failure, your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys try to compensate for the heart’s inability to keep up with the body’s demand for blood and oxygen. The heart may respond by enlarging or pumping faster to increase blood output. The blood vessels may narrow and/or the kidneys may retain more water and salt to keep blood pressure up, which allows the heart to pump stronger. These changes may help for a little while until heart failure worsens.
“The early stages of heart failure can be subtle, and you might not notice any symptoms. But even if you don’t feel unwell, it’s important to have regular check-ups to catch any issues before they progress,” says Dr. Rahman.
What are the signs of heart failure?
The most common signs of this chronic condition include fatigue and shortness of breath. You may also experience these symptoms:
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Swelling in feet, ankles, legs, fingers, and abdomen
Symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of heart failure because your heart and body try to make up for the heart’s failing ability to pump enough blood. Therefore, you may not notice some or all of these symptoms until the condition gets worse.
“If you notice any of these symptoms, even in their mildest form, it’s important to seek medical advice. Timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of the condition,” says Dr. Rahman.
When should I see a doctor about heart failure?
If you have any possible symptoms of heart failure or suspect you may have the condition even if you don’t have symptoms, see a doctor. Regular check-ups are also a good way to detect heart failure even when symptoms are not yet noticeable.
Dr. Rahman says, “It’s essential to be proactive about your heart health. If you experience any unusual symptoms or feel that something is off, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your doctor. Early intervention is key to managing heart failure effectively.”
How is heart failure diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you might have heart failure, he or she will typically order blood tests or imaging tests to see how well your heart is working. Blood tests measure how much oxygen and electrolytes are circulating in your blood. An echocardiogram shows the structure and function of your heart. Most notably, it provides information about your heart’s ejection fraction, which measures its ability to pump blood to your body. The lower the number (calculated as a percentage), the harder it is for your heart to keep up with your body’s need for oxygen-rich blood.
“Diagnostic tools like echocardiograms are essential for understanding how the heart is functioning. With the right tests, we can determine the best course of treatment and monitor the condition closely,” explains Dr. Rahman.
“Heart failure may feel overwhelming, but with early detection and proper management, patients can live full and active lives,” says Dr. Rahman. “It’s important to be proactive about your health and seek care as soon as symptoms arise.”
Joseph Rahman MD
Joseph Rahman MD is a cardiologist specializing in Advanced Heart Failure. He launched a comprehensive heart failure program and mechanical circulatory support program in Sacramento after completing his fellowship at UCLA and residency at Johns Hopkins. He has also contributed to the growth of the USC Heart Failure program as a faculty member. He has extensive experience in clinical research as well as 18 years of clinical practice. He enjoys teaching medical trainees to keep himself sharp. And now, Dr. Rahman is the Director of the Comprehensive Heart Failure program at PIH Health. According to Dr. Rahman, heart failure is the final, common pathway for many different diseases that affect the heart. It is a field that is in constant evolution and requires coordination of patient care among multiple specialists. He finds this both challenging and rewarding. Dr. Rahman feels honored and humbled by the trust that patients grant him and the special relationship he forms with patients and their families motivates him to continue his practice. He recognizes that congestive heart failure is unique to each patient and requires very thoughtful attention to address their specific needs. Dr. Rahman usually sees patients at their most difficult times and through careful monitoring and management, can help them improve their quality of life. Outside the clinic, Dr. Rahman enjoys spending time with his three-year old son and amazing wife. He is also an avid swimmer.
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