Heart Failure Treatments in Sugar Land, TX
Premier Cardiac Care for Heart Failure Patients
Complete Cardiology Care provides various heart failure treatments for patients in Sugar Land, TX, and throughout the surrounding areas. Our professional, compassionate team of medical experts is dedicated to enhancing patients’ lives by helping them improve their heart health. Whatever heart condition you are diagnosed with, whatever your cardiac symptoms are, we can help you find answers and treatment. Visit our state-of-the-art medical practice for premier cardiac care and services.
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What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a lifelong medical condition that occurs when the heart muscle can’t pump enough blood to keep up with the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. This severe condition is sometimes called congestive heart failure, which can cause blood back-ups, fluid build-ups, shortness of breath, and more. This severe condition can result in severe symptoms and be life-threatening.
What Causes Heart Failure?
There are numerous potential causes of heart failure. Generally, they are categorized into two groups—ischemic causes and non-ischemic causes. However, it is essential to mention that there are some causes that are considered idiopathic, with no particular cause to them. Generally, heart failure is more common in men than women and affects people over 65. Ischemic causes refer to the lack of blood flow to the heart, typically from coronary artery disease. Non-ischemic causes refer to any cause outside of coronary artery disease, such as the following:
- High blood pressure
- Heart valve problems
- Heart arrhythmias
- Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
- Genetic cardiomyopathies
- Systemic medical conditions
- Alcohol or illicit drug use
- Chemotherapy treatments
The Symptoms of Heart Failure
Sometimes, heart failure symptoms will exhibit themselves slowly; other times, signs of heart failure suddenly start. Some patients’ symptoms may be mild, or they may have none. Symptoms of heart failure can range from mild to severe and can even come and go. Symptoms will get worse over time, however, especially without treatment. As this happens, the signs and symptoms may change. The symptoms of heart failure can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- A dry, hacking cough
- Heart palpitations
- A bloated or hard stomach
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Nausea and lack of appetite
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Need to urinate while resting at night
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
The Different Types of Heart Failure
The different types of heart failure are named after where in the heart they are located. There is left-sided heart failure, right-sided heart failure, and biventricular heart failure, which occurs on both sides. Heart failure may also be classified as acute or chronic. Acute heart failure is when the patient has active symptoms and a new diagnosis. Chronic heart failure is when the patient has a history of heart failure, but their condition is stable and without symptoms or manageable.
Treatments for Heart Failure
Treatment for heart failure will often depend on its cause. Heart failure treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Treatment can make heart failure exponentially improve. Medications to treat heart failure include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Angiotensin receptor plus neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil)
- Vericiguat (Verquvo)
- Positive inotropes
Can Heart Failure Be Reversed?
Over time, heart failure gets progressively worse. However, it is possible to reverse this severe condition in some instances with treatment. If heart failure is caused by something like arrhythmia, and that arrhythmia becomes controlled, the ejection fraction can return to normal. Additionally, if heart failure is caused by alcohol or other substance use, stopping the use of those substances can also reverse heart failure. Though heart failure heavily impairs the heart muscle, various treatments can relieve symptoms and slow—or even stop—the gradual worsening of this severe condition.
How to Prevent Heart Failure
There are numerous ways to help prevent heart failure. This severe condition affects one in five adults. Fortunately, prevention is possible through healthy lifestyle behaviors and proper medical treatment for conditions that are a predisposition to heart failure. Some of the ways to prevent heart failure include:
- No smoking
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating healthy consistently
- Treating high blood pressure
- Controlling diabetes
- Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
Contact Complete Cardiology Care To Learn More
Patients who visit Complete Cardiology Care can rest assured they’re in good hands. Our compassionate team of medical professionals puts the health and wellness of their patients at the forefront of everything they do. We are devoted to helping our patients find solutions to the cardiac symptoms and issues they face. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.