What are the early signs of heart failure. How does left-sided heart failure differ from right-sided heart failure. What are the symptoms of congenital heart failure in children. How can you recognize worsening heart failure symptoms.

Understanding Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Overview

Heart failure is a complex condition that occurs when the heart muscle weakens and loses its ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. As a result, the body’s tissues and organs may not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. To compensate for this reduced pumping capacity, the heart undergoes several changes:

• Enlargement of the heart muscle
• Increased pumping rate
• Narrowing of blood vessels to raise blood pressure
• Redirection of blood flow to prioritize vital organs

These compensatory mechanisms can help maintain adequate blood flow in the early stages of heart failure. However, as the condition progresses, they may become insufficient, leading to more severe symptoms and complications.

Types of Heart Failure: Exploring Different Manifestations

Heart failure can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. The main types of heart failure include:

1. Left-sided heart failure
2. Right-sided heart failure
3. Congestive heart failure
4. Congenital heart failure

It’s important to note that these types are not mutually exclusive. Some individuals may experience multiple forms of heart failure simultaneously, or one type may progress to another over time.

Left-Sided Heart Failure: Systolic vs. Diastolic

Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. This type of heart failure can be further categorized into two subtypes:

• Systolic heart failure: The left ventricle cannot contract properly, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Diastolic heart failure (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction): The left ventricle becomes stiff and cannot relax normally, impairing its ability to fill with blood between beats.

Right-Sided Heart Failure: Understanding the Implications

Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle struggles to pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This can lead to blood backing up in the veins that return blood to the heart, causing fluid accumulation in various parts of the body.

Congestive Heart Failure: A Broader Perspective

Congestive heart failure is a term that encompasses both left-sided and right-sided heart failure, characterized by fluid buildup in the body’s tissues and organs. This fluid accumulation can lead to various symptoms and complications affecting multiple body systems.

Congenital Heart Failure: Heart Issues Present at Birth

While heart failure is more common in older adults, it can also affect children and young adults due to congenital heart defects. These are structural abnormalities of the heart present from birth that can impair its function and lead to heart failure symptoms.

Early Signs of Heart Failure: Recognizing the Subtle Symptoms

Identifying heart failure in its early stages can be challenging, as symptoms may be mild or easily overlooked. What are some of the initial signs that might indicate the onset of heart failure?

• Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Mild cognitive changes, such as confusion or forgetfulness
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Heart palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest

It’s crucial to pay attention to these early warning signs and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of them, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Left-Sided Heart Failure: Delving into Specific Symptoms

As left-sided heart failure progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and debilitating. What are the key indicators of advancing left-sided heart failure?

• Worsening shortness of breath, even during rest
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) of fingertips and lips
• Productive cough, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum
• Severe fatigue and weakness
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Unexpected weight gain due to fluid retention
• Edema (swelling) in the lower extremities and abdomen
• Difficulty concentrating

One particularly notable symptom of advanced left-sided heart failure is orthopnea, which refers to shortness of breath when lying down. This occurs due to fluid accumulation in the lungs when in a recumbent position. Patients may also experience paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, characterized by sudden awakening with severe breathlessness.

Right-Sided Heart Failure: Identifying Unique Manifestations

Right-sided heart failure presents with its own set of symptoms, primarily related to fluid accumulation in various parts of the body. What are the hallmark signs of right-sided heart failure?

• Peripheral edema (swelling) in the ankles, feet, and legs
• Abdominal distension and discomfort
• Swelling in the genital area and lower back
• Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity)
• Increased urinary frequency
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Unexplained weight gain
• Shortness of breath and chest discomfort

The fluid retention associated with right-sided heart failure can lead to significant discomfort and mobility issues as the condition progresses.

Congenital Heart Failure in Children: Recognizing Symptoms in Younger Patients

Heart failure in children and young adults due to congenital heart defects can present differently than in older adults. What are the key symptoms to watch for in pediatric heart failure cases?

• Respiratory distress, including coughing and wheezing
• Syncope (fainting) or dizziness
• Excessive fatigue and sleepiness
• Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
• Failure to thrive or poor weight gain
• Irritability and unexplained fussiness
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or arrhythmias
• Edema in various parts of the body
• Reduced exercise tolerance compared to peers

Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about these symptoms, especially if the child has a known congenital heart defect or a family history of heart problems.

Monitoring Heart Failure Progression: Recognizing Worsening Symptoms

As heart failure advances, symptoms can become more severe and impact daily life significantly. How can patients and caregivers identify signs of worsening heart failure?

• Increased shortness of breath, especially at rest or with minimal exertion
• Worsening edema that doesn’t improve with elevation or diuretics
• Rapid weight gain (more than 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week)
• Increased fatigue and weakness that interferes with daily activities
• Worsening cognitive symptoms, such as confusion or memory problems
• New or worsening chest pain or pressure
• Syncope or near-syncope episodes
• Decreased urine output

It’s crucial for heart failure patients to monitor their symptoms closely and report any significant changes to their healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Complications of Untreated Heart Failure: Understanding the Risks

When left untreated or poorly managed, heart failure can lead to severe complications affecting multiple organ systems. What are some of the potential consequences of uncontrolled heart failure?

• Kidney dysfunction or failure due to reduced blood flow
• Liver damage and congestion
• Pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure
• Cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation
• Stroke or systemic embolism
• Malnutrition and muscle wasting
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of sudden cardiac death

These complications underscore the importance of early diagnosis, proper management, and regular follow-up care for heart failure patients.

Diagnostic Approaches for Heart Failure

Accurately diagnosing heart failure and determining its underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. What are the common diagnostic tools and procedures used to evaluate heart failure?

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Blood tests, including BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels
• Chest X-ray to assess heart size and lung congestion
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect arrhythmias or heart damage
• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function
• Stress tests to assess cardiac performance during exertion
• Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging of heart structure and function
• Coronary angiography to evaluate coronary artery disease

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the type and severity of heart failure, as well as guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Strategies for Heart Failure

Managing heart failure often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient’s needs. What are the primary treatment modalities used in heart failure management?

• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., sodium restriction, regular exercise)
• Medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics)
• Device therapies (e.g., implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy)
• Surgical interventions (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair or replacement)
• Advanced therapies for end-stage heart failure (e.g., ventricular assist devices, heart transplantation)

The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and slow the progression of heart failure.

Living with Heart Failure: Strategies for Daily Management

For individuals diagnosed with heart failure, adopting certain lifestyle changes and self-management strategies can significantly improve their quality of life and prognosis. What are some key approaches to managing heart failure on a daily basis?

• Adhering to medication regimens as prescribed
• Monitoring and recording daily weight to detect fluid retention
• Following a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats
• Engaging in regular physical activity as recommended by healthcare providers
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques and support systems
• Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption
• Attending regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
• Participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs when available

By actively participating in their care and making informed lifestyle choices, heart failure patients can often maintain a good quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.

Emerging Therapies and Research in Heart Failure

The field of heart failure management is continually evolving, with ongoing research into new treatments and therapies. What are some promising areas of investigation in heart failure research?

• Gene therapy approaches to enhance cardiac function
• Stem cell therapies for cardiac regeneration
• Novel pharmacological agents targeting specific pathways in heart failure
• Improved ventricular assist devices and artificial heart technologies
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and molecular profiles
• Remote monitoring technologies for early detection of heart failure exacerbations
• Innovative surgical techniques for heart failure treatment

These research efforts hold promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for heart failure patients in the future.

The Role of Caregivers in Heart Failure Management

Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with heart failure, often assisting with daily management tasks and providing emotional support. What are some key responsibilities and considerations for caregivers of heart failure patients?

• Assisting with medication management and adherence
• Helping monitor symptoms and weight changes
• Encouraging and facilitating healthy lifestyle choices
• Accompanying patients to medical appointments
• Providing emotional support and encouragement
• Learning about heart failure and its management
• Recognizing signs of caregiver burnout and seeking support when needed

Caregivers are essential partners in the heart failure management team, and their well-being is also important for optimal patient care.

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Considerations in Advanced Heart Failure

For patients with advanced heart failure, palliative care can play an important role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. What are some key aspects of palliative care in the context of heart failure?

• Symptom management, particularly for breathlessness and pain
• Emotional and psychological support for patients and families
• Advance care planning and discussions about treatment preferences
• Coordination of care among various healthcare providers
• Support for spiritual and existential concerns
• Guidance on hospice care when appropriate

Palliative care can be integrated with curative treatments and can benefit patients at various stages of heart failure, not just at the end of life.

Prevention Strategies for Heart Failure

While not all cases of heart failure can be prevented, adopting heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition. What are some key strategies for preventing heart failure?

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Following a balanced, heart-healthy diet
• Managing underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
• Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption
• Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms
• Attending regular health check-ups and screenings

By adopting these lifestyle measures and managing cardiovascular risk factors, individuals can reduce their likelihood of developing heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Heart Failure Symptoms | Johns Hopkins Medicine

A normal, healthy heart is a very strong muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. The blood delivers necessary oxygen and important nutrients to tissues and organs.

With heart failure, the organ becomes progressively weaker. Over time, it loses its ability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In early heart failure, the heart tries to keep up with the body’s demands by:

• Getting larger
• Pumping faster
• Narrowing the blood vessels to increase blood pressure to try to get blood where it needs to go
• Diverting blood away from other organs so other parts of the body can have it

There are several kinds of heart failure. Some types have overlapping symptoms, some types can happen at the same time, and some types can lead to other types. This article covers the different kinds of heart failure:

• Left-sided heart failure
• Right-sided heart failure
• Congestive heart failure
• Congenital heart failure

As heart failure progresses, you may have more — and more severe — symptoms. The exact signs and symptoms of heart failure depend on the type of heart failure and how advanced it is.

Early Symptoms of Heart Failure

A person with early heart failure might not have any noticeable signs. When early symptoms occur, they can be subtle and easy to miss or ignore. Early signs of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath, at first when you’re active and later even when you’re sitting or lying down
• Lowered ability to exercise or be active
• Confusion or forgetfulness
• Frequent fatigue, sleepiness or weakness
• Palpitations, or a fluttering feeling in your chest, as the heart pumps harder and faster

Without treatment, heart failure can worsen over time. Symptoms that were once mild can become increasingly more severe, and may prevent you from doing everyday tasks.

Left-Sided Heart Failure Symptoms

Most heart failure occurs in the left ventricle (the bottom left chamber of the heart). Left-sided heart failure can be systolic heart failure, when the ventricle can’t contract (squeeze) normally. Or it can be diastolic (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), when the chamber is stiffer and can’t relax normally.

If the chamber can’t pump well, blood backs up in the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. This backup leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, which causes shortness of breath. Most people with left-sided heart failure first notice mild breathing difficulty only during exercise. Over time, people may experience shortness of breath when they are being less active and even when resting.

Other symptoms of left-sided heart failure include:

• Bluish color in the fingertips and lips
• Cough, which may bring up phlegm or mucus tinged with blood 
• Fatigue and weakness, even after resting 
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Sudden, unexpected weight gain
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, feet and/or abdomen
• Trouble concentrating 

People with severe left-sided heart failure may experience orthopnea, shortness of breath when lying down. This troubled breathing is caused by fluid accumulating in the lungs when you lie down. You may wake up wheezing or gasping for air, called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Sitting up causes some of the fluid to drain to the bottom of the lungs, and makes breathing easier.

Right-Sided Heart Failure Symptoms

Right-sided heart failure happens when the right ventricle is too weak to pump enough blood to the lungs. Blood backs up in vessels that carry it from the body to the heart. This backup can push fluid out of the veins and into other tissues, causing swelling in these areas of the body:

• Ankles
• Belly
• Feet
• Genital area (groin)
• Internal organs
• Legs
• Lower back

This fluid buildup and swelling can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Discomfort in the chest
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Unexpected weight gain

Congenital Heart Failure Symptoms

Heart failure mostly affects older adults. But babies, children and young adults can develop heart failure due to a congenital heart condition (a heart condition present since birth).

Symptoms of heart failure in children and young adults may include:

• Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Excessive sleepiness
• Excessive sweating
• Failure to thrive (gain weight)
• Irritability due to pain or fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat or breathing rate
• Swelling in the belly, legs, ankles or feet
• Trouble keeping up with peers during physical activities
• Unexplained weight gain

What to Do If You Notice Worsening Heart Failure Symptoms

Heart failure can lead to serious complications, such as kidney or liver damage, other heart conditions, pulmonary hypertension and stroke. If you’re experiencing worsening symptoms of heart failure, keep track of them and talk to your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if you experience:

• Cough that brings up a white or pink foamy substance
• Fainting, dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• New, sudden chest pain
• Rapid weight gain (2 pounds or more in a day, or 5 pounds or more in a week)
• Sudden, severe shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe weakness
• Swelling that has gotten significantly worse
• Very fast or irregular heartbeat

Shortness of Breath and Heart Failure

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ESC Guidelines for Heart Failure – what patients need to know


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Shortness of breath is a common symptom for many people with heart failure. You should monitor your breathing and be aware of any changes. For example, you may find that in a matter of days or weeks the distance you can walk before shortness of breath appears has diminished. You may also notice increasing shortness of breath at night and while lying flat. You may need more pillows to prop up your upper body, in this case to allow for easier breathing.

Shortness of breath occurs because blood in the body backs up in the blood vessels, which return blood from the lungs to the heart, due to the heart not pumping blood out of the heart effectively. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs, also known as congestion.

If you experience SEVERE and persistent shortness of breath, you should call for emergency treatment immediately. If you are experiencing increasing shortness of breath and tolerating less and less activity, you should contact your doctor or nurse for advice.

ESC Guidelines for Heart Failure

What patients need to know

This guide for patients from the European Society of Cardiology aims to provide an overview of the latest evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

In particular, it should help patients to understand the:

• main types of heart failure
• medicines used to treat heart failure
• devices that may be appropriate
• importance of rehabilitation
• management by a multidisciplinary team
• importance of self-care in managing your own condition

Learn more

Download the Guidelines

AN ANIMATED JOURNEY THROUGH HEART FAILURE

A series of 9 simple, captivating animations explaining heart failure and its treatment.

These narrated animations explain how a healthy heart works, what happens to it in heart failure and how various treatments work to improve your health.

How the normal heart works

What goes wrong in heart failure

How the heart and body compensate in heart failure

How heart failure causes fluid accumulation

How a heart attack can cause heart failure

How abnormal heart valves can cause heart failure

How vasodilators work in heart failure

How diuretics work in heart failure

How medical devices work in heart failure

PATIENT AND CAREGIVERS VIDEOS

In this section you can watch, listen or read interviews with other people with heart failure and their caregivers.

Patient in exercise training

Patient with an ICD

An LVAD as a bridge to transplantation

Adjusting lifestyle and staying optimistic

Living with heart failure devices

Challenges in making the diagnosis

Living with an LVAD

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

and share your own views and experiences with other patients, families and caregivers.

https://www.facebook.com/heartfailurematters

heartfailurematters.org is a European Society of Cardiology website

The heartfailurematters.org website was developed under the direction of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The ESC is a world leader in the discovery and dissemination of best practices in cardiovascular medicine. Our members and decision-makers are healthcare professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to represent professionals in the field of cardiology in Europe and beyond.

How to distinguish between cardiac and pulmonary dyspnea, symptoms and treatment

Bronchial asthmaWet coughWet cough in childrenFor the heart and blood vesselsStrokeHeart failureDry coughDry cough in childrenPillsPillsPills

The author of the article shina Aleksandra Nikolaevna,

Therapist

All authors

Contents of the article

• Shortness of breath in heart failure, symptoms and treatment
• Causes, types and classification of dyspnea
• How to distinguish between cardiac and pulmonary dyspnea
• Coronavirus shortness of breath
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

Heart failure shortness of breath, symptoms and treatment

provoked by shortness of breath . Doctors call shortness of breath dyspnea, in which the frequency of respiratory movements (RRD) is disturbed. In this case, two conditions are distinguished: tachypnea and bradypnea.

With tachypnea, a person breathes shallowly, but very quickly, making more than 20 breaths per minute. Such “breath of a hunted beast” is observed in diseases of the blood, anemia, fever, hysteria. Bradypnea, on the contrary, is characterized by deep, but rare breaths (less than 12 respiratory movements (DR) per minute) and occurs against the background of acidosis, prolonged hypoxia, and brain damage.

In addition to impaired breathing, dyspnea is manifested by characteristic symptoms: suffocation, squeezing and tightness in the chest, sounds of noise when trying to breathe in, difficulty exhaling.

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Causes, types and classification of dyspnea

This condition occurs when the level of oxygen in the body (hypoxia) or in the blood (hypoxemia) decreases. This leads to irritation of the respiratory center in the brain, resulting in an involuntary increase in breathing, and there is a feeling of lack of air.

The main causes of hypoxia:

• Intoxication of the body and pathologies of the heart, lungs, nervous system
• Extrapulmonary diseases or conditions in which chest mobility is limited, for example, obesity, pregnancy, physical activity and pathological. The first is a short-term phenomenon associated with hard work or sports loads. The second is systemic or chronic in nature, appears in a calm state or with minimal physical exertion. The pathological form indicates a painful lesion of certain systems.

  Depending on the causes, there are 4 types of dyspnea.

  • Pulmonary – disease of the bronchi and lungs, respiratory failure.
  • Cardiac – with heart failure associated with heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, myocardial infarction;
  • Central – pathologies of the central nervous system, neuroses and exposure to neurotropic poisons.
  • Hematogenous – liver failure, poisoning, decompensated diabetes mellitus, anemia.

  More often than others, cardiac and pulmonary dyspnea are diagnosed, which are important to distinguish from each other in order to prescribe adequate treatment and provide effective assistance.

  How to distinguish cardiac from pulmonary dyspnoea

  The real cause is accompanied by symptoms of the disease that provoke dyspnea, which can be: – stored in for several weeks or months

When there is an acute form, an ambulance must be called urgently.

The tables list the causative diseases and their signs, as well as recommendations for medical care. This will help determine the type of shortness of breath and take appropriate measures.

Pulmonary dyspnea – causes and signs

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9 0170

Disease	Symptoms	Medical assistance
Asthma	Wheezing that starts spontaneously, accompanied by and caused by exposure to provoking factors (upper respiratory tract infections, allergens, cold air, exercise)	Examination by a doctor to determine respiratory rate and airway function
Pneumothorax	Suddenly disturbed respiratory rate and acute pain in the chest. Often occurs spontaneously and also after trauma and in people with COPD	Chest x-ray
Pulmonary embolism	Spontaneous chest pain that worsens with inspiration, rapid heart rate and breathing	CT and angiography examination
Pulmonary hypertension 900 94	Gradually increasing intensity of dyspnea, cough, weakness, swelling of the legs	Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization
Restrictive diseases	Difficulty in breathing occurs against the background of professional activities associated with prolonged inhalation of irritants	Chest x-ray, lung function test
Exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)	Productive or non-productive cough (with or without sputum), inhalation-exhalation through pursed lips, wheezing	Examination by a doctor, x-ray chest
Pneumonia	Severe chest pain on inspiration, fever, cough, weakness, unusual lung sounds	Examination by a doctor, chest x-ray
Obstructive pulmonary disease	Violation of respiratory rate provokes heavy smoking, history of emphysematous chest	Chest x-ray, examination of respiratory functions

Cardiac dyspnea – causes and signs

All three form of shortness of breath requires consultation with a cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist or other specialists who will prescribe an appropriate examination and select the correct methods of treatment.

Sources:

• “Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms of lung diseases. Dyspnea”, MSD Handbook
• “How to understand the “language” of shortness of breath?”, Journal “Atmosphere. Pulmonology and Allergology, No. 4, 2012
• “Evidence Based Treatment of Dyspnea in Patients with End-stage Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases”, Journal of Palliative Medicine and Rehabilitation, No. 2, 2005
• clinical aspects”, Journal “Therapeutic archive”, № 3, 2005

Shortness of breath after coronavirus

After the coronavirus epidemic, doctors faced shortness of breath as a post-COVID symptom. It occurs at the slightest load and even at rest. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing, pressing pain in the chest, dry cough, inability to take a deep breath. Also, like the loss of smell, it can persist for a long time.

Causes of shortness of breath after coronavirus:

• Fibrosis. With inflammation, the lung spongy tissue is replaced by connective tissue, which does not absorb oxygen.
• Frosted glass. The situation when the alveoli are filled with fluid and do not participate in the process of gas exchange. Ground glass can develop into fibrosis.
• Psychogenic factor. Doctors use the terms “post-covid depression” or “respiratory neurosis.” Shortness of breath is often accompanied or provoked by panic attacks.
• Heart problems. In most cases, this is due to the fact that coronavirus complicates chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Due to the fact that shortness of breath occurs for various reasons, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis.

The specialist will select the right therapy, which consists of methods such as:

• oxygenation – oxygen therapy
• inhalation
• physiotherapy
• medical treatment
• breathing exercises
• therapeutic massage
• psychological or psychotherapeutic assistance

At home, the patient can help to restore normal breathing in the following ways:

• humidification
• breathing exercises, pool swimming
• physiotherapy exercises for all muscle groups
• daily outdoor walks
• taking vitamin D, over-the-counter sedatives

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Shortness of breath due to heart failure treatment at the Ilyinsky hospital.

Shortness of breath delivers
severe discomfort and is a common complaint of patients. The cause of shortness of breath can
be a violation of nasal breathing, and lung disease. But one of the most common
cause is heart failure. If you suffer from shortness of breath for a long time,
contact the Center
family medicine of the Ilyinsky hospital. Specialists in
heart failure will conduct a deep examination and prescribe treatment. We can help you and make you
lived a fuller life.

• General mechanism for the development of dyspnea
  occurs when the power of the heart, our main “motor”, is not enough
  in order to supply all organs with blood. It is now clear that the situation
  more difficult. Heart failure and its main symptom – shortness of breath – develop
  and in the case when the heart as a whole has enough power to
  provide organs with blood, but this is achieved at the expense of a significant overload
  his cameras.

  The left ventricle may fill with blood at higher
  than provided by nature, pressure. This leads to an increase in pressure in
  vessels of the lungs. A small amount of liquid begins to perspire through
  alveoli and activate special g-receptors in the lungs. Because of this, shortness of breath occurs. Violations
  functions of the heart of various nature (both a decrease in the strength of heart contractions, and
  violation of the filling of the left ventricle) lead to stagnation of fluid in the lungs,
  sweating fluid and shortness of breath.

  • Main clinical conditions in dyspnea

  There are three key conditions:

  
  heart functions. Occurs mainly in association with myocardial infarction or
  severe atherosclerotic, or coronary heart disease, when the heart does not
  enough blood and oxygen to provide for themselves. The heart beats slowly
  blood in the lungs stagnates.

  Increase
  blood pressure due to vasoconstriction. The heart needs to be developed significantly
  more power to push blood through constricted vessels in conditions
  high pressure. Because of this, the heart is greatly overloaded. Due to complex
  mechanisms, this increase in pressure is “transferred” to the vessels of the lungs. Liquid
  sweating, shortness of breath occurs.

  Cardiac
  insufficiency with normal pumping function of the heart. The heart works
  normal, but poorly “sucks” blood from the vessels of the lungs. This clinical
  the situation is common due to the prevalence of arterial hypertension,
  when the patient has severe shortness of breath, and doctors cannot find it
  reason. In fact, shortness of breath is not associated with obesity, low
  fitness or with old age, but arises precisely because of the heart
  insufficiency.

  • Diagnosis of shortness of breath

  First of all, the doctor must listen to the patient, collect complaints,
  make an anamnesis. This is the key to the diagnosis. Already by complaints, you can try to distinguish
  pulmonary is shortness of breath or cardiac. If pulmonary dyspnea is suspected, a
  x-ray of the lungs, the function of external respiration is examined, and the
  saturation (blood saturation with oxygen and carbon dioxide). Filmed
  electrocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart is done, the level of arterial
  pressure.

  Often the examination shows that the heart is working well:
  there are no changes on the cardiogram, everything is fine with the lungs, and the patient
  experiencing severe shortness of breath! In this situation, a special very
  sensitive test for cardiac causes of dyspnea. It is called NT-proBNP (N-terminal atrial
  natriuretic peptide). As it turns out, the heart is a hormonal organ.
  (“endocrine”), that is, if the filling is disturbed, it begins to secrete into the blood
  a protein that leads to increased urination. Those. actually a person
  there is a system for increasing diuresis, which works in the presence of a cardiac
  insufficiency. An increased amount of this protein indicates that shortness of breath
  associated with heart failure. After that, treatment can be planned,
  which relieves the patient of shortness of breath.

  • Treatment of dyspnea

  Treatment of dyspnea is primarily based on lowering arterial
  pressure and keep it low. Patients who live long
  with high blood pressure, it is important to understand: at the beginning of taking antihypertensive
  drugs may be poorly tolerated. Feeling weak, sleepy. Necessary
  wait at least a couple of weeks for the cerebral blood flow to adjust to
  work in the correct mode. Then the patient gradually begins to notice
  reduction in shortness of breath. Sometimes it is possible to completely part with it.

  Schekochikhin Dmitry Yurievich
  

  Cardiologist, therapist

  Candidate of Medical Sciences.

  Grishkovets Andrey Ivanovich
  

  Cardiologist, doctor of X-ray endovascular diagnostics and treatment, therapist

  ErlikhAlekseyDmitrievich
  

  Cardiologist

  Doctor of Medical Sciences.