What are the primary symptoms of heart failure. How does shortness of breath manifest in heart failure patients. Why does heart failure cause swelling in the ankles and feet. How does fatigue affect individuals with heart failure.

Understanding Shortness of Breath in Heart Failure

Shortness of breath, medically termed dyspnea, is the most common symptom of heart failure. It can manifest in various ways, often leaving patients feeling as if they can’t catch their breath or experiencing tightness in the chest. Many find themselves needing to stop frequently while walking or feeling increasingly tired during physical activities.

Exertional Dyspnea: Breathlessness During Activity

For individuals with milder heart failure, shortness of breath may only become noticeable during physical exertion. As the condition progresses, even minimal activity can trigger breathlessness. This gradual onset can make it challenging for patients to recognize the symptom’s development over time.

Orthopnea: Breathing Difficulties When Lying Flat

Orthopnea refers to the sensation of breathlessness that occurs when lying down. The severity often correlates with how flat the person is lying. Healthcare providers often assess the severity by asking how many pillows a patient needs to sleep comfortably. This symptom arises because the horizontal position allows blood that normally pools in the leg veins to reenter the bloodstream, potentially overwhelming the heart’s pumping capacity.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND): Nighttime Breathing Emergencies

Some heart failure patients experience sudden, severe shortness of breath that wakes them from sleep. This condition, known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), can be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, a rapid heart rate, and a feeling of suffocation. Typically, sitting up or standing provides relief within a few minutes.

Fatigue and Reduced Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure

Fatigue is a prominent symptom of heart failure that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Individuals often report having less energy than usual and struggle with activities they previously found manageable.

Recognizing Decreased Exercise Tolerance

A reduction in exercise capacity can be subtle and often goes unnoticed by patients. They may unconsciously adapt their behavior, such as avoiding stairs or opting to drive short distances instead of walking. This gradual limitation of physical activity is an important clinical indicator of heart failure progression.

Edema: Understanding Fluid Retention in Heart Failure

Swelling in the ankles and feet, known as pedal edema, is a common manifestation of heart failure. This swelling often worsens as the day progresses or after prolonged periods of standing.

Characteristics of Heart Failure-Related Edema

Heart failure typically causes pitting edema, where applying pressure to the swollen area leaves a temporary indentation. The severity of edema can range from mild discomfort to painful swelling if the skin becomes taut and sensitive. Patients may notice that their shoes no longer fit properly due to the swelling.

The Pathophysiology of Edema in Heart Failure

Edema in heart failure results from the body’s inability to effectively circulate blood and remove excess fluid. When the heart’s pumping function is compromised, blood can back up in the veins, leading to increased pressure and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues.

Factors Influencing Edema Severity

The extent of edema depends on several factors, including the heart’s compensatory mechanisms and the body’s sodium and water retention. Dietary sodium intake and medication adherence can significantly impact fluid retention and subsequent edema formation.

Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing Heart Failure Symptoms

While shortness of breath is a hallmark of heart failure, it’s crucial to note that other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Conditions such as emphysema or severe anemia may present with comparable breathlessness, necessitating a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

The Importance of Professional Medical Assessment

Given the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, it’s essential for individuals experiencing persistent shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can conduct appropriate tests and examinations to accurately diagnose the cause and initiate proper treatment.

Living with Heart Failure: Adapting to Symptom Management

Managing heart failure often requires lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care. Patients may need to adapt their daily routines to accommodate their symptoms and energy levels.

Strategies for Symptom Relief

• Elevating the head while sleeping to alleviate orthopnea
• Incorporating rest periods throughout the day to manage fatigue
• Wearing compression stockings to reduce lower limb edema
• Following a low-sodium diet to minimize fluid retention
• Engaging in appropriate, physician-approved exercise programs

Monitoring Heart Failure Progression

Regular monitoring of heart failure symptoms is crucial for effective management and early detection of worsening conditions. Patients should keep track of changes in their symptoms and report them to their healthcare provider promptly.

Key Indicators to Watch

1. Sudden weight gain (potentially indicating fluid retention)
2. Increased shortness of breath with usual activities
3. Worsening or new onset of swelling in the legs or abdomen
4. Difficulty lying flat without multiple pillows
5. Persistent cough or wheezing

Advanced Treatment Options for Heart Failure

As heart failure progresses, more advanced treatment options may become necessary. These can include medication adjustments, device therapies, or even surgical interventions in severe cases.

Innovative Therapies for Symptom Management

Recent advancements in heart failure treatment have introduced new options for symptom management and improved quality of life. These may include:

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for arrhythmia management
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to improve heart pumping efficiency
• Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for advanced heart failure
• Novel pharmaceutical agents targeting specific pathways in heart failure progression

Understanding the array of treatment options available can empower patients to engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their care plan.

The Role of Self-Care in Heart Failure Management

Self-care plays a pivotal role in managing heart failure and minimizing symptom burden. Patients who actively participate in their care often experience better outcomes and quality of life.

Essential Self-Care Practices

Effective self-care for heart failure encompasses various aspects of daily life:

• Medication adherence: Taking prescribed medications as directed
• Dietary management: Following a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet
• Fluid balance: Monitoring and potentially restricting fluid intake as advised
• Regular physical activity: Engaging in appropriate exercise as recommended by healthcare providers
• Stress management: Implementing techniques to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being
• Symptom monitoring: Keeping a daily log of weight, symptoms, and any changes in condition

By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, patients can take an active role in managing their condition and potentially slow its progression.

The Impact of Heart Failure on Mental Health

Living with heart failure can take a significant toll on an individual’s mental health. The chronic nature of the condition, coupled with physical limitations and lifestyle changes, can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Addressing Psychological Aspects of Heart Failure

Recognizing and addressing the psychological impact of heart failure is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Healthcare providers should assess patients for signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support or referrals when necessary.

Strategies to support mental well-being in heart failure patients may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns
• Support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety
• Educational programs to empower patients with knowledge about their condition
• Collaborative care models that integrate mental health services into cardiac care

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of heart failure, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive and effective care to their patients.

Nutritional Considerations in Heart Failure Management

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing heart failure symptoms and supporting overall cardiovascular health. Dietary choices can significantly impact fluid retention, blood pressure, and the heart’s workload.

Key Dietary Principles for Heart Failure Patients

Adopting a heart-healthy diet involves several important principles:

• Sodium restriction: Limiting sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and blood pressure
• Balanced nutrient intake: Ensuring adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall health
• Portion control: Managing calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight
• Fluid management: Monitoring and potentially restricting fluid intake as advised by healthcare providers
• Heart-healthy fats: Incorporating sources of omega-3 fatty acids and limiting saturated fats
• Alcohol moderation: Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption as recommended

Working with a registered dietitian can help patients develop personalized meal plans that align with their nutritional needs and heart failure management goals.

Exercise and Physical Activity in Heart Failure

Contrary to past beliefs, appropriate physical activity is now recognized as beneficial for many heart failure patients. Regular exercise can improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and potentially slow disease progression.

Developing Safe Exercise Programs

Exercise programs for heart failure patients should be tailored to individual capabilities and monitored by healthcare professionals. Key considerations include:

• Gradual progression: Starting with low-intensity activities and slowly increasing duration and intensity
• Symptom awareness: Learning to recognize and respond to exercise-related symptoms
• Variety of activities: Incorporating aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises as appropriate
• Cardiac rehabilitation: Participating in structured programs designed for heart failure patients
• Regular reassessment: Adjusting exercise plans as the condition changes or improves

Patients should always consult their healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise program to ensure safety and appropriateness for their specific condition.

The Role of Sleep in Heart Failure Management

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and can have significant implications for heart failure patients. Sleep disturbances are common in heart failure and can exacerbate symptoms and impact quality of life.

Addressing Sleep Issues in Heart Failure

Improving sleep quality may involve several strategies:

• Sleep positioning: Using adjustable beds or multiple pillows to alleviate orthopnea
• Sleep apnea screening: Identifying and treating sleep-disordered breathing
• Sleep hygiene: Establishing consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines
• Medication timing: Adjusting medication schedules to minimize nighttime symptoms
• Relaxation techniques: Implementing strategies to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep

Addressing sleep issues can lead to improved symptom management and better overall outcomes for heart failure patients.

Navigating Social and Occupational Challenges with Heart Failure

Heart failure can significantly impact a person’s social life and ability to work. Managing these aspects is crucial for maintaining quality of life and emotional well-being.

Strategies for Social and Occupational Adaptation

Patients with heart failure may benefit from the following approaches:

• Workplace accommodations: Discussing potential modifications with employers to support continued employment
• Energy conservation: Planning activities and social engagements to align with energy levels
• Communication: Openly discussing limitations with friends and family to manage expectations
• Support networks: Building and maintaining connections with support groups and healthcare teams
• Assistive devices: Utilizing tools and technologies to facilitate daily activities and independence

By addressing these social and occupational challenges, patients can maintain a sense of normalcy and purpose while managing their condition effectively.

Future Directions in Heart Failure Research and Treatment

The field of heart failure management is continuously evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Several promising areas of investigation are shaping the future of heart failure care.

Emerging Trends in Heart Failure Management

Some of the exciting developments in heart failure research include:

• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on genetic and molecular profiles
• Regenerative therapies: Exploring stem cell treatments to repair damaged heart tissue
• Artificial intelligence: Utilizing machine learning for early detection and treatment optimization
• Remote monitoring: Advancing technologies for continuous patient monitoring outside clinical settings
• Novel drug therapies: Developing new pharmaceutical agents targeting specific pathways in heart failure

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize heart failure management, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients living with this chronic condition.

Heart Failure Symptoms | Kaiser Permanente

If you have heart failure, symptoms start to happen when your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

Shortness of breath

While shortness of breath is the most common symptom of heart failure, it may be difficult or impossible to distinguish it from shortness of breath caused by other health problems such as emphysema or severe anemia. Your doctor can help you determine why you have been feeling short of breath.

People with heart failure experience shortness of breath in many different ways. You might feel that:

• You can’t catch your breath.
• You feel tightness in your chest.
• You feel tired when you walk.
• You need to stop a lot when you walk.
• It gets worse when you lie flat, and it may wake you up at night.

Shortness of breath from exertion or exercise. If your shortness of breath isn’t severe, you may notice it only when you are exerting yourself, and sometimes only during more intense exertion. The medical term for this symptom is dyspnea (say “DISP-nee-uh”).

When heart failure develops gradually, your shortness of breath also may develop gradually, which can make it hard to notice. But people with more severe heart failure may have shortness of breath with minimal exertion.

Shortness of breath while lying down. People with more severe heart failure may experience shortness of breath when they lie down. The medical term for this symptom is orthopnea (say “or-THAWP-nee-uh”). The severity of this symptom usually depends on how flat you are lying—the flatter you lie, the more you feel short of breath.

To gauge the severity of this symptom, doctors often ask people how many pillows they need to lie on to avoid feeling short of breath in bed. For example, “three-pillow” orthopnea is worse than “two-pillow” orthopnea, because you have less tolerance for lying flat.

The reason you may have orthopnea is that when you lie flat, the blood that ordinarily pools in the veins of your legs is reentering your bloodstream. If you have heart failure, your heart may not be able to keep up with the increased amount of blood returning to the heart, so fluid builds up inside the lungs and causes shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath while sleeping. Some people with heart failure wake up in the middle of the night with severe shortness of breath. The medical term for this symptom is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND). This may occur with waking up coughing and/or wheezing, having a rapid heart rate, and a feeling of being suffocated.

In general, people who experience PND don’t feel increased shortness of breath when they first lie down. But after several hours of lying down, they awake with shortness of breath, which often occurs suddenly. People who experience PND often have to sit up on the side of the bed, and they may feel a need to open a window to get more air. The shortness of breath generally goes away after a few minutes of sitting up.

Being very tired (fatigue)

You might feel that:

• You have less energy and feel more tired than usual.
• You can’t exert yourself like you could before.

You might also have low exercise capacity. This can be harder to describe. It is a symptom that people with heart failure often don’t even notice because they have gradually reduced the level at which they exert themselves.

For example, they may stop walking up the stairs, or they may drive to the store instead of walking. Some people at first deny that they have been experiencing this symptom. It is only after doctors ask them about changes in their activities that they realize they have been avoiding physical exertion. This decrease in your ability to exert yourself physically is what doctors call low exercise capacity.

Swelling in ankles or feet

People with heart failure often experience swelling in their ankles or feet. You might notice that:

• It gets worse at the end of the day or after you stand for long periods.
• It hurts.
• Pressure leaves impressions in your skin.
• Shoes no longer fit.

The degree of swelling you experience depends on how well your body is compensating for heart failure and how much sodium and water your body retains. In some cases the swelling is mild and merely bothersome, while in other cases it can be severe and painful if the skin becomes taut and sensitive.

The medical term for this swelling in the legs is pedal edema—”pedal” refers to the feet and “edema” refers to the buildup of excess fluid. Heart failure often causes what doctors call “pitting edema,” meaning that applying pressure to the swollen skin leaves an indentation in the skin. Doctors often test for edema by pressing their thumb to the skin and seeing whether it leaves an impression. You may see this yourself if you take off your shoes and socks and find that your socks have left an impression in the skin of your ankles and feet.

You may notice more severe swelling if you have been eating too much salt, which causes your body to retain fluid. Elevating your feet or wearing supportive stockings can help relieve the swelling.

Sudden weight gain

Weight gain may be the first noticeable sign that you have developed heart failure or that your heart failure is getting worse. The amount of weight gained varies greatly among people with heart failure, and it reflects the amount of sodium and water the body has retained.

A sudden weight gain may mean that excess fluid is building up in your body because your heart failure is getting worse. It is a symptom of sudden heart failure.

Your doctor will probably ask you to weigh yourself every day. Know when to call your doctor if you suddenly gain weight.

Your doctor likely will work with you to manage changes in weight caused by fluid retention. For example, if you have a weight increase of 2 lb (0.91 kg), your doctor may recommend taking an additional diuretic that day.

Understanding Heart Failure and Edema

Edema is the clinical term for swelling caused by fluid retention. It can be triggered by any number of injuries, illnesses, or health conditions. But among the more serious conditions that can cause edema is heart failure.

This happens when the heart muscle weakens and can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can also happen if the pressure is increased, forcing the fluid to back up into the legs or abdomen, or when a leaky heart valve causes fluid retention.

Proper treatment of heart failure, or whatever is causing your edema, should help relieve your swelling and other symptoms. In this article, we’ll look more at why heart failure causes edema, as well as other types of edemas, and current treatment options.

Although it sounds like the heart is failing to work at all, the term heart failure really means that the heart has grown weaker or stiffer. It still pumps blood, but it’s not enough to meet the body’s needs.

Heart failure can result from several issues, including:

• heart attack
• high blood pressure
• various types of heart disease
• valve disease

Diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea can also weaken the heart.

Since the heart isn’t able to adequately pump blood out through the arteries and bring it back through the veins, blood can begin to pool, especially in the legs and feet.

The veins require a certain amount of force from the heart to keep blood flowing up to the heart and lungs, where it receives oxygen and other nutrients. The pressure inside the veins is also higher due to higher pressures in those with heart failure.

Without medications or devices to improve the heart muscle’s strength, blood doesn’t circulate properly in someone with heart failure. Excess blood and other fluids in the capillaries can leak out into bodily tissues, causing edema.

Sometimes edema is the first sign of heart failure. Once heart failure is diagnosed, it becomes important to monitor increases in body weight that may result from increased fluid retention.

One 2021 review of studies suggests that increases in edema may also predict worsening heart failure.

Fluid buildup in the feet and legs, known as pedal edema, is a common early sign of heart failure. But there are other types of edema that may be the result of heart failure, including:

• Peripheral edema: swelling of the the hands or lower legs.
• Pitting edema: swelling in the feet, legs, or anywhere else. Pitting edema gets it name because it leaves a “pit” or dent in the skin on the affected area.
• Pulmonary edema: a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

Other causes of edema

The main potential causes of edema range from the temporary and harmless to more serious and chronic conditions that require ongoing medical care. Other than heart failure, some common causes of edema include:

• Sitting or lying down in one position for too long. Simply getting up and moving around usually alleviates swelling in the legs and feet.
• Menstruation and pregnancy. Both conditions can lead to temporary fluid retention and swollen feet and legs.
• Eating a lot of salty foods. Consuming excess sodium causes the body to retain more fluid to help keep sodium levels from getting too high. The additional sodium is excreted in urine.
• Venous insufficiency. Problems with the veins that keep them from moving blood along its path to the heart allow fluid to leak into nearby tissue.
• Kidney disease. When the kidneys don’t remove enough fluid and sodium, pressure inside blood vessels increases and edema follows. Kidney-related edema may affect the legs and/or the face.
• Lung disease. Serious respiratory conditions, like emphysema, can lead to lower leg edema when the right side of the heart starts to fail because the pressure in the heart and lungs becomes too great for proper circulation to continue.
• Liver disease (cirrhosis). With cirrhosis, blood cannot pass through the liver properly. This increases pressure in the vein that brings blood to the liver from the intestines and spleen, causing fluid to accumulate in the legs.

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There are three main types of heart failure. Each one reduces the heart’s ability to pump effectively.

Left-sided heart failure

The left side of the heart is responsible for pumping blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. Left-sided heart failure can develop when the left ventricle (lower left chamber of heart) can no longer pump enough blood out of the heart and into circulation.

It can also occur when the left ventricle becomes too stiff and can’t fill with enough blood in between heart beats. This keeps the heart from meeting the body’s requirements for oxygenated blood. Left-sided heart disease sometimes involves edema in the lungs.

Right-sided heart failure

When blood returns to the heart, it enters the right atrium (top right chamber) and then moves to the right ventricle (bottom chamber), which pushes blood into the lungs to receive oxygen.

When the right side of the heart weakens, blood coming in from the veins can start to back up. This is called right-sided heart failure, which usually results in edema in the lower extremities.

Congestive heart failure

The term congestive heart failure is often used interchangeably with heart failure. But it really just refers to a state of heart failure in which fluid buildup in the body is serious enough to require medical attention. In this instance, “congestion” is another word for fluid. This can result in both pulmonary edema and edema of the abdomen, lower legs, and feet.

Other symptoms of heart failure to know

While edema may be the most obvious external heart failure symptom, there are some other common symptoms that you should know about. This is especially true if you’re a heart attack survivor or otherwise at high risk for heart failure.

Other heart failure symptoms include:

• shortness of breath, especially when lying down or during exertion
• fatigue
• rapid or fluttering heartbeat
• nagging cough that may produce pink or blood-tinged phlegm
• lack of appetite
• difficulty paying attention
• increased need to urinate at night
• sudden weight gain
• chest pain, tightness or pressure

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor soon. Sudden swelling in one leg could be a blood clot and should be treated as a medical emergency. Likewise, the onset of shortness of breath should be evaluated immediately since it can be a sign of a heart attack or other emergency.

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Treating edema usually means treating the underlying cause of the swelling. In the case of heart failure, that could involve the use of medications like:

• diuretics to reduce fluid levels in the body
• medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs or ARNI to help the blood vessels relax, so circulation is a little easier
• beta blockers and ivabradine to reduce the burden on the heart
• mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs)
• SGLT2 inhibitors

In very serious cases, implantable pumps or defibrillators are needed to help the heart muscle keep up with the body’s demand for blood. And in the most severe cases of heart failure, a heart transplant may be necessary.

Treating the edema itself may include:

• compression stockings to help increase the pressure in your lower legs, which may help push blood up to the heart
• exercise to get the leg muscles affected by edema working harder and pumping blood back to the heart
• elevating your legs or other swollen part of the body above the heart to help keep blood returning to the central circulation.

Edema is a common symptom of heart failure, but it can also be caused by other conditions.

With heart failure, fluid builds up because the body’s circulatory system isn’t operating as strongly as it normally would. This is due to a weakening or stiffening of the heart muscle.

If you notice swelling, but know of no underlying medical reason for it, see a doctor soon. Even if the cause isn’t heart failure, you’ll want to know why the swelling has developed and how it can be treated or prevented in the future.

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causes, symptoms and treatments

Contents

• 1 Swelling of the legs in heart failure: symptoms, causes and treatment
  • 1.1 Heart failure: an explanation of the concept
  • 1.2 How are heart failure and swelling of the legs related?
  • 1.3 Swelling of the legs in heart failure: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.3.1 What factors can lead to swelling of the legs in heart failure?
  • 1. 4 What symptoms accompany swelling of the legs in heart failure?
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.6 Treatment of leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.7 Medication for leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.8 How can I change my lifestyle to reduce leg swelling in heart failure?
    • 1.8.1 Exercise and physical activity:
    • 1.8.2 Nutrition:
    • 1.8.3 Weight control:
    • 1.8.4 Stress avoidance:
    • 1.8.5 Take medication:
  • 1.9 Physical therapy for heart failure leg swelling
  • 1.10 Heart failure leg swelling diet 90 004
  • 1.10.1 Avoid excessive sodium intake
  • 1.10.2 Increase your protein intake
  • 1.10.3 Drink enough water
  • 1.10.4 Reduce your fluid intake
  • 1.10.5 Eat regularly
  • 1.10.6 Control your weight
• 1.11 Operations and procedures for the treatment of swelling of the legs in heart failure
• 1.12 Q&A:
  • • 1. 12.0.1 What symptoms may indicate swelling of the legs in heart failure?
    • 1.12.0.2 What medicines can help with leg swelling?
    • 1.12.0.3 What methods can be applied independently to reduce swelling of the legs?
    • 1.12.0.4 How can leg edema be diagnosed in heart failure?
    • 1.12.0.5 What are the causes of leg swelling in heart failure?
    • 1.12.0.6 How often should I seek medical attention for swelling of the legs due to heart failure?
• 1.13 Related video:

Edema of the legs in heart failure is a symptom that indicates a violation of blood circulation in the body. Find out the causes and treatments for leg swelling in people with heart failure on our website.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is leg swelling. They occur due to impaired blood circulation and accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the legs.

Swelling of the legs may be the first sign of heart failure. They appear as swelling of the outer and inner parts of the legs. In addition, there may be swelling in the ankles, feet, and toes. This disease can occur in people of any age: from youth to the older age category.

If you do not pay timely attention to the appeared edema, the development of dangerous consequences is possible. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of edema and methods of their treatment, which will help prevent serious complications. In this article, you will learn what factors can cause leg swelling in heart failure, as well as how to properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Heart failure: an explanation of the concept

Heart failure (HF) is a pathological condition that develops as a result of a malfunction of the heart. In the human body, a certain blood supply to organs and tissues is necessary, and this is achieved through the work of the heart muscle.

The heart beats rhythmically and pumps blood through all the arteries and veins, constantly supplying the organs with oxygen and nutrients. However, in the presence of heart failure, the heart cannot cope with its function. Hence the name: “insufficiency” – it lies in the fact that the final results of blood circulation do not satisfy the needs of the vital elements of the body.

There are many causes of heart failure, such as valvular disorders, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, radiation therapy, and hereditary heart disease.

How are heart failure and leg swelling related?

Heart failure is a serious heart disorder that causes an uncontrolled accumulation of fluid in body tissues, including the legs. That is why swelling of the legs is one of the most characteristic symptoms of heart failure.

When the heart is not working properly, the blood cannot circulate efficiently through the body. This leads to fluid retention in the tissues, which accumulates primarily in the lower extremities and causes edema. The formation of edema in the legs is the result of a reduced efficiency of the pumping function of the heart, which leads to a congestive state.

In heart failure, swelling of the legs can be very painful and greatly reduce the patient’s quality of life. To reduce swelling, it is necessary to treat heart failure itself by improving heart function and drainage function. This can be achieved through the use of diet, medication, physical activity, and other methods.

The fight against leg edema associated with heart failure is an important part of complex therapy and is highly effective together with conventional methods of treating heart failure.

Swelling of the legs in heart failure: causes, symptoms and treatment

What factors can lead to swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Swelling in the legs can be one of the first signs of heart failure because the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body. Factors that can cause leg swelling include:

• Poor circulation to the heart: The heart cannot contract and pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid buildup in the tissues.
• Veins full of blood: in heart failure, blood can accumulate in the veins, resulting in swelling of the legs.
• Increased capillary pressure: in heart failure, the level of fluid in the blood vessels may be insufficient, which leads to increased pressure in the capillaries and edema.
• Problems with the lymphatic system: some cases of leg swelling may be due to problems with the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluid from the tissues.

If swelling of the legs occurs, you should consult a doctor to determine possible heart failure and treat accordingly.

What symptoms accompany swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Swelling of the legs is one of the symptoms of heart failure, which manifests itself in the later stages of the disease.

The first sign of swelling of the legs is swelling of the lower extremities, which may be noticeable after waking up in the morning. In the future, increased fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath and decreased physical activity will appear.

With prolonged heart failure, edema can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, stomach, face. In such cases, urgent medical attention is needed, as the patient’s condition may worsen to critical levels.

If you notice such symptoms, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor for a long time. Timely diagnosis and treatment of heart failure will avoid serious complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Diagnosis of leg swelling in heart failure

Leg swelling is often one of the first signs of heart failure. In order to establish that edema is associated specifically with heart failure and determine its degree, various diagnostic methods are used.

1. Physical Exam – The doctor examines the legs and looks for signs of swelling, such as swelling in the legs, sock marks on the skin, dry skin, and ulcers.
2. Ultrasound examination – allows you to assess the functional state of the heart, determine the presence and degree of impaired blood flow and blood volume in the legs. This method is prescribed by doctors only if necessary, after evaluating the results of previous studies.
3. Blood tests – can help doctors determine the cause of swelling, such as determining the level of electrolytes in the blood. If the level of sodium in the blood is low, this may indicate the presence of heart failure.

Depending on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to clarify the diagnosis and decide on treatment. Treatment of leg edema in heart failure should be carried out by a doctor and will depend on the severity of the disease and the presence of other concomitant diseases.

Treatments for swelling of the legs in heart failure

Swelling of the legs can be a sign of heart failure. The treatment of edema is aimed at improving the function of the heart and reducing the load on it. To start treatment, you need to contact a cardiologist to determine the exact cause of edema.

• Medicines that improve heart function. They help to improve the contractility of the heart, reduce the load and reduce swelling. They must be prescribed by a doctor.
• Treatment of concomitant diseases. If there are comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes, these should also be treated.
• Restriction of fluid and salt intake. Limiting fluid and salt intake can help reduce the workload on the heart and reduce swelling.
• Compression therapy. Performing compression therapy with elastic bandages or socks may help reduce leg swelling.
• Diuretics. Diuretics may help remove fluid from the body and reduce swelling.

Treatment of leg edema in heart failure is a process that requires an individual approach and regular monitoring by a doctor. Following the doctor’s recommendations will help reduce the risk of complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Drug treatment for leg swelling due to heart failure

Various drugs are used to treat leg swelling due to heart failure. In most cases, drug therapy is given in combination with other therapies such as diet, exercise, and compression therapy.

Drugs used to treat swelling in the legs help to reduce the load on the heart muscle and improve blood circulation in the vessels. These include:

• Diuretics. These are drugs that increase the excretion of fluid from the body by increasing the volume of urine. Among them are furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE inhibitors. They help lower blood pressure, reduce stress on the heart and blood vessels, and improve blood circulation in the legs. These include captopril, enalapril and others.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These drugs help lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve blood circulation in the legs. These include losartan, candesartan, and others.

The doctor prescribes the dosage and duration of taking medications based on the general condition of the patient and the diseases present in him.

How can I make lifestyle changes to reduce leg swelling in heart failure?

Exercise and physical activity:

Regular exercise is one way to reduce leg swelling. Simple exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling improve blood circulation, which leads to a reduction in swelling.

Nutrition:

Excessive fluid and salt intake should be avoided as this can aggravate leg swelling. It is recommended to increase the intake of protein and vitamins, as well as reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates.

Weight control:

Being overweight can impair heart function and increase leg swelling. Therefore, weight control can help reduce swelling and improve heart health.

Stress avoidance:

Stress can worsen the condition of the heart, increase blood pressure and increase swelling in the legs. Avoid stressful situations and practice relaxing exercises like yoga or meditation.

Take your medicine:

If you have heart failure, take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. It is also possible to use diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing leg swelling.

Physical Therapy for Leg Swelling in Heart Failure

Leg Swelling in Heart Failure can be effectively treated through physical therapy. It includes various exercises to strengthen the lower body and increase blood circulation.

The standard method of physical therapy is compression therapy, which involves wearing special graduated compression stockings. Stockings create pressure that helps blood and lymph flow better and reduces swelling.

Physical exercises are also widely used to strengthen the muscles and increase blood circulation in the legs. It can be both moderate walking and special exercises designed for specific muscle groups.

An individual approach is very important in physical therapy in the treatment of leg edema in heart failure. It is best to work with a professional physical therapist who can develop the best exercise plan and monitor your progress.

• Compression therapy
• Moderate walking
• Exercises to strengthen the muscles and increase blood circulation in the legs

Diet for swollen legs in heart failure

Avoid excessive sodium intake

Sodium, or salt, can retain fluid in the body, which can lead to swelling. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of salt in the diet. Avoid ready meals, marinades, cold cuts and cheese.

Increase your protein intake

Protein helps keep the body hydrated and prevents fluid retention in the tissues. Include protein foods such as fish, chicken, seafood, eggs, and legumes in your diet.

Drink plenty of water

Controversial, but you need to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of edema. Insufficient water intake can lead to fluid retention in the body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Reduce your fluid intake

If you have heart failure, it may be helpful to reduce your fluid intake. Do not reduce water, but stop drinking sugary drinks, strong tea, coffee and alcohol.

Eat regularly

Diet is of great importance in heart failure. Eat regularly and eat less but more often. Avoid overeating, which can lead to swelling.

Watch your weight

Watch your weight. Avoid rapid weight loss or gain, which can lead to edema and aggravation. Eggs0008

• Salted products
• Cheese

9 0005 Sausage

• Ready meals
• Strong tea and coffee
• Alcoholic drinks

Operations and procedures in the treatment of swelling of the legs in heart failure

Swelling of the legs often occurs in heart failure, when the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently. Most cases of leg swelling can be treated conservatively, but some cases may require surgery.

One possible procedure is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting salt or a special drug into the affected vein to narrow its walls. It helps reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

Endovenous laser treatment may also be an effective procedure in the treatment of leg edema due to heart failure. This method involves using laser light to close off the affected veins, resulting in less swelling and more efficient blood circulation.

If conservative methods fail, surgery may be required. One of the commonly used methods is to normalize blood flow in the legs. This includes creating new channels for blood flow in the legs.

Some types of edema may require the use of a stent. A stent is a metal or plastic mesh that is inserted into an affected vein to keep it from expanding and losing its shape.

• Output: In the treatment of leg edema in heart failure, both conservative methods and surgical interventions can be used, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser photocoagulation, normalization of blood flow in the legs and stenting.

Q&A:

What symptoms may indicate swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Swelling of the legs may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and tension in the legs, pain when walking, inability to put on ordinary shoes, swelling of the ankles and feet. It is also possible for swelling to appear on other parts of the body, for example, on the ankles, abdomen, lungs.

What medicines can help with leg swelling?

Diuretics can be used to treat swelling in the legs due to heart failure, which increases the excretion of excess water from the body, reducing swelling. Drugs that reduce the workload on the heart and increase its efficiency, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may also be used.

What methods can be applied independently to reduce swelling of the legs?

To reduce swelling of the legs, it is recommended to monitor the diet, limiting the intake of salt and liquid, control your weight, avoid prolonged stay in one position, sit or lie with your legs up, if this is not contraindicated, use compression stockings or stockings.

How can leg edema be diagnosed in heart failure?

For the diagnosis of leg edema in heart failure, research methods such as electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac ultrasound (ultrasound), chest x-ray, vascular dopplerography, cardiac catheterization are carried out. It is also necessary to conduct tests to determine the level of salt and fluid in the blood.

What are the causes of leg swelling in heart failure?

Heart problems can lead to poor circulation, which in turn causes swelling in the legs. Experiencing weakness of the heart, it cannot effectively pump blood from the lower extremities, while fluid begins to accumulate in the tissues. In addition, edema can be caused by impaired kidney function, hormonal disruptions, and taking certain medications.

How often should I seek medical attention for swelling of the legs due to heart failure?

At the first sign of swelling of the legs due to heart failure, you should consult a doctor for a profile examination and consultation. Further, the frequency of visits will be determined by a specialist individually, depending on the symptoms of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

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Chronic heart failure | Publications of the clinic “Family Doctor”

Chronic heart failure is a fairly serious and even dangerous condition. Heart failure is always the result of some disease. Most often, heart failure is the result of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus.

As a result of damage, the heart muscle, as a rule, weakens and cannot satisfactorily perform its pumping function, as a result of which the supply of organs and tissues of the body with oxygen and nutrients is disrupted.

Heart failure can be different. Distinguish between systolic and diastolic heart failure.

Systolic heart failure develops when the heart muscle does not have enough strength to efficiently push enough blood out of the heart and into the rest of the body.

Diastolic heart failure develops when, after pushing blood out of the heart, the heart muscle cannot fully relax and the ventricles do not fill with enough blood to provide an adequate blood supply to the body.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

Heart failure is manifested by the following symptoms: shortness of breath at rest and during exercise, fatigue, weakness, swelling of the legs, palpitations.

In order to establish the presence and severity of heart failure, the doctor uses various diagnostic methods:

• electrocardiography;
• chest x-ray;
• echocardiography;
• 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring;
• stress echocardiography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• multislice computed tomography of the heart vessels;
• radioisotope scintigraphy;
• laboratory research methods (general blood test, biochemical blood test, determination of brain natriuretic peptide – BNP).

The sooner you detect signs (symptoms) of heart failure and see a doctor, the sooner you will receive the necessary treatment.

Prevention and treatment

Various drugs are used to treat heart failure, the main ones are:

1. ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure improve the functioning of the heart as a result of the expansion of blood vessels both bringing blood to the heart and carrying blood from the heart: in addition, they remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, restore the structure of the cardiovascular system.

2. Beta-blockers: the use of this group of drugs not only reduces the symptoms of heart failure, but also prolongs the life of patients.

3. Aldosterone receptor antagonists: high levels of aldosterone (a hormone produced in the body) leads to the progression of heart failure, increases scarring in the area of ​​damaged myocardium (after myocardial infarction). Therefore, taking drugs of this group is necessary to improve the prognosis.

4. Diuretics (diuretics): prevent fluid retention in the body, increase the excretion of salt and water, which leads to a decrease in shortness of breath and swelling.

5. Cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Decreases heart rate and stimulates the pumping function of the heart. The use of the drug is currently very limited, only in the presence of arrhythmia and in consultation with the doctor.

6. Vasodilators: used as an additional remedy, they relieve heart pain by dilating blood vessels, significantly reduce the load and facilitate the work of the heart.

Also used in the treatment of heart failure antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, statins.

For prevention and treatment, your role in helping your body is essential:

1. It is necessary to normalize body weight, this will lead to a decrease in the load on the heart.

2. Diet plays a significant role in the healing process. Fatty, starchy and sweet foods should be avoided.