Patent Foramen Ovale-Induced Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome ...
Heart Failure Treatment
If you have heart failure, you have a lot of choices for treatment. Your doctor may suggest you start with medication and lifestyle changes. If your condition gets worse, you can turn to centers that specialize in treating heart failure for more options, like surgery.
It's important to keep up with your medications and take them the way your doctor tells you to. Common types of drugs that treat heart failure are:
The goal of surgery is to make your heart work better.
Bypass surgery. Routes blood around a blocked artery. Learn more about heart bypass surgery.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). When your heartbeat is off-kilter, it can make heart failure worse. This treatment uses a pacemaker that sends timed electrical impulses to both of your heart's lower chambers (the left and right ventricles) so they pump better and more in sync. Your doctor may call it a biventricular pacemaker. They could also pair it with an ICD (see below). Read more on CRT, also called biventricular pacing, for heart failure.
Heart transplant. This is done when heart failure is so severe that it doesn't respond to any other treatments. Get more information on heart transplant for heart failure.
Heart valve surgery. If a faulty heart valve causes your heart failure, your doctor may recommend repairing or replacing it. A surgeon can repair or replace the valves. Find out more on heart valve disease.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This device is similar to a pacemaker. It's put under your skin in your chest. Wires lead through your veins and into your heart to keep track of your heart rhythm. If your heart starts to beat at a dangerous rhythm, or if it stops, the ICD tries to pace your heart or shock it back into normal rhythm. An ICD can also act as a pacemaker and speed your heart up if it's going too slow. Learn more about ICDs for heart failure.
Infarct exclusion surgery (modified Dor or Dor procedure). When a heart attack happens in the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of your heart), a scar forms. The scarred area is thin and can bulge out with each beat, forming what's called an aneurysm. A heart surgeon can remove it.
Ventricular assist device. The doctor puts it into the abdomen or chest and attaches it to your heart to help it pump blood to the rest of your body. VADs are most often used in the heart's left ventricle, but they can also be used in the right ventricle or in both ventricles. Read more on the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for heart failure.
Monitor your symptoms. Check for changes in how much fluid builds up in your body by weighing yourself every day. Check for swelling, too.
See your doctor regularly. They'll make sure you're staying healthy and that your heart failure isn't getting worse. They'll ask to review your weight record and list of medications.
If you have questions, write them down and bring them with you to your appointment. Call your doctor if you have urgent concerns.
Tell all the doctors you see about your heart failure, the medications you take, and any restrictions you have. Also, tell your heart doctor about any new drugs prescribed by another doctor.
Eat a healthy diet. Limit the salt you eat to less than 1,500 milligrams each day. Eat foods high in fiber and potassium. Cut back on things high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar. If you need to drop some weight, reduce the number of calories you eat.
Exercise regularly. A regular program that's OK'd by your doctor will improve your symptoms and strength and make you feel better. It may also slow your heart failure.
Don't overdo it. Plan out your activities and include rest periods during the day.
Prevent lung infections. Ask your doctor about flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Take your medications as prescribed. Don't stop taking them without first asking your doctor. Even if you have no symptoms, the drugs help your heart pump better.
Get emotional or psychological support, if you need it. Don't face things alone. Get the backing you need from social workers, psychologists, clergy, and support groups. Ask your doctor to point you in the right direction.
It takes a team to manage heart failure, and you are the key player. Your heart doctor will prescribe your medications and manage other medical problems. Other team members, including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and social workers, will also lend a hand. But it's up to you to take your medicine, change your diet, live a healthy lifestyle, keep your follow-up appointments, and be an active member of the team.
Everything You Need To Know About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It can't be cured or reversed, but medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes can relieve many symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 deaths resulted from heart disease in 2021 in the United States. That's about 695,000people.
Heart disease doesn't discriminate. It's the leading cause of death for several populations, including white people, Hispanic people, and Black people. Almost half of people in the United States are at risk of heart disease, and the numbers are rising.
While it can be deadly, it's also preventable in most people. By adopting certain lifestyle habits early, you can potentially live longer with a healthier heart.
Heart disease encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular problems. Several diseases and conditions fall under the umbrella of heart disease.
Types of heart disease include:
The term "cardiovascular disease" may also refer to heart conditions that specifically affect the blood vessels.
Different types of heart disease can cause a variety of symptoms.
ArrhythmiaArrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The symptoms you experience may depend on the type of arrhythmia you have, such as a heart rate that's too fast or too slow.
Learn more about the symptoms of arrhythmia.
AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis reduces blood supply to your extremities. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms of atherosclerosis include fatigue and muscle weakness in the legs from poor circulation.
Learn more about the symptoms of atherosclerosis.
Congenital heart defectsCongenital heart defects are heart problems that develop when a fetus is growing. Some heart defects are never diagnosed. Others may be detected when they cause symptoms.
Learn more about the symptoms of congenital heart defects.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)CAD is plaque buildup in the arteries that move oxygen-rich blood through the heart and lungs.
Learn more about the symptoms of CAD.
CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscles to grow larger and turn rigid, thick, or weak.
Learn more about the symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
Heart infectionsHeart infections include the conditions endocarditis and myocarditis.
Read more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
Females often experience different signs and symptoms of heart disease than males, specifically CAD and other cardiovascular diseases.
A 2016 study looked at the symptoms most often seen in women who had experienced a heart attack. The top symptoms didn't include the "classic" heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain and tingling. Instead, researchers reported that women were more likely to experience anxiety, indigestion, and fatigue.
Symptoms of heart disease in females can also be confused with other conditions, such as depression, menopause, and anxiety.
Learn more about the common signs and symptoms of heart attack in men and women.
Heart disease is a collection of diseases and conditions that cause cardiovascular problems. Each type of heart disease is caused by something entirely unique to that condition.
Arrhythmia causesThe causes of an abnormal heart rhythm include:
Congenital heart defect causesThis heart disease occurs while a baby is still developing in the uterus. Some heart defects may be serious and diagnosed and treated early. Some may also go undiagnosed for many years.
Your heart's structure can also change as you age. This can create a heart defect that may lead to complications and problems.
Cardiomyopathy causesThere are several types of cardiomyopathy. Each type is the result of a separate condition:
The causes range from other medical conditions or comorbidities or genetics. Not all the causes are fully understood.
Heart infection causesBacteria, parasites, and viruses are the most common causes of heart infections. Uncontrolled infections in the body can also harm the heart if they're not properly treated.
There are many risk factors for heart disease. Some are controllable and others aren't.
According to the CDC, around 47% of people in the United States have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Some of these risk factors include:
Smoking, for example, is a controllable risk factor. People who smoke double their chance of developing heart disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
People with diabetes may also have a higher risk of heart disease because high blood glucose levels increase the chance of:
If you have diabetes, managing your glucose can limit your chance of developing heart disease. People with both high blood pressure and diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors you can't controlOther risk factors for heart disease include:
Although these risk factors aren't controllable, you may be able to monitor their effects.
A family history of CAD is especially concerning if it involves:
Non-Hispanic Black people, non-Hispanic white people, and people of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage have a higher risk than Native Alaskan or Native American people.
Also, males have a greater risk of heart disease than females. According to the CDC, the prevalence of heart disease is higher in men than in women.
Learn more about the risk factors for CAD.
Your doctor may order several types of tests and evaluations to make a heart disease diagnosis. Some of these tests can be performed before you ever have symptoms of heart disease.
Other tests may be used to look for possible causes of symptoms when they develop.
Physical exams and blood testsThe first thing your doctor will do is perform a physical exam. They will take an account of the symptoms you've been experiencing.
Then they will want to know your family and personal medical history. Genetics can play a role in some heart diseases. If you have a close family member with heart disease, share this information with your doctor.
Blood tests are frequently ordered. This is because they can help your doctor see your cholesterol levels and look for signs of inflammation.
Noninvasive testsA variety of noninvasive tests may be used to diagnose heart disease, such as:
Invasive testsIf a physical exam, blood tests, and noninvasive tests aren't conclusive, your doctor may want to look inside your body to determine what's causing your symptoms. Invasive tests may include:
Read more about the tests used to diagnose heart disease.
Treatment for heart disease largely depends on the type of heart disease you have as well as how far it has advanced. For example, if you have a heart infection, your doctor is likely to prescribe an antibiotic.
If you have plaque buildup, your doctor may take a two-pronged approach: prescribe a medication that can help lower your risk of additional plaque buildup and look to help you adopt certain lifestyle strategies.
Treatment for heart disease falls into three main categories:
Lifestyle strategiesSome lifestyle strategies can help protect your heart. These include:
MedicationsA medication may be necessary to treat certain types of heart disease. Your doctor can prescribe a medication that can either cure or manage your heart disease.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications that slow or stop the risk of complications. The exact drug you're prescribed depends on the type of heart disease you have. Examples include:
Read more about the drugs that treat heart disease.
Surgery or invasive proceduresIn some cases of heart disease, surgery or a medical procedure is necessary to treat the condition and prevent worsening symptoms.
For example, if you have arteries that are blocked entirely or almost completely by plaque buildup, your doctor may insert a stent in your artery to return regular blood flow.
The procedure your doctor performs depends on the type of heart disease you have and the extent of damage to your heart.
Some risk factors of heart disease can't be controlled, like your family history. But it's still important to lower your chance of developing heart disease by decreasing the risk factors you can control.
Aim for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol numbersHaving healthy blood pressure and cholesterol ranges are some of the first steps you can take for a healthy heart. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
A healthy blood pressure is considered less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, which is often expressed as "120 over 80" or "120/80 mm Hg."
Systolic is the measurement of pressure while the heart is contracting. Diastolic is the measurement when the heart is resting. Higher numbers indicate that the heart is working too hard to pump blood.
Your ideal cholesterol level depends on your risk factors and heart health history. If you have a high risk of heart disease, have diabetes, or have already had a heart attack, your target levels will be below those of people with low or average risk.
Adopt heart-healthy lifestyle strategiesPracticing the same lifestyle strategies that can help you manage heart disease can also help reduce your chance of developing it.
Doctors recommend 30–60 minutes of exercise on most days for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes each week. Check with your doctor to make sure you can safely meet these guidelines, especially if you already have a heart condition.
Quitting smoking can help your heart health because nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for oxygenated blood to circulate. This can lead to atherosclerosis.
In addition, managing your stress can help lower your chance for heart disease because chronic stress can contribute to the development of heart problems.
Making these changes all at once might not be possible, and that's OK. Talk with your doctor about what will have the biggest impact right now. Even small steps toward these goals help keep you at your healthiest.
Learn about ways to reduce the chance of heart disease.
What's the connection between heart disease and hypertension?High blood pressure (hypertension) makes the heart work harder to circulate blood. This can result in a thickened heart muscle and narrowed arteries.
High blood pressure also makes your heart muscles thicker and less elastic, impairing its ability to pump blood. This reduces the circulation of the oxygen-rich blood your body needs.
Read more about hypertensive heart disease.
Is there a cure for heart disease?It's not possible to cure or reverse heart disease, so it requires lifetime treatment and monitoring. But medications, procedures, and lifestyle strategies can relieve symptoms.
Coronary intervention or bypass surgery might be used if other methods aren't effective.
Is sinus bradycardia a sign of heart disease?Sinus bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate. It's not necessarily a cause for concern on its own. In fact, it's often a marker of a healthy heart in athletes or people who are young. But in some cases, it can cause serious heart problems.
What are the best exercises for a leaky heart valve?If you have a leaky heart valve, walking regularly can be good exercise for your heart.
Do your best to walk at a pace in which you are breathing hard and fast but can still carry on a conversation.
You can also do other aerobic exercises, such as swimming or cycling, following the same principle.
Why are beta-blockers used in heart disease?Beta-blockers slow and reduce the strength of your heartbeat. They also decrease your blood pressure. They work by blocking the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) from binding to beta receptors in your body.
Almost half of all people in the United States have an elevated chance of developing heart disease, and the numbers continue to rise.
However, adopting heart-healthy lifestyle strategies can prevent or manage many cases of heart disease.
It's not always easy to make these lifestyle changes in our busy and fast-paced lives, but there are huge benefits. If you take care of your heart now, it's more likely to take care of you later in life.
Sarasota Memorial Participating In Study Of Cardiac Implant For Heart Failure Patients
Sarasota Memorial Health Care stem has joined a global study of a new atrial shunt, which is intended to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with few treatment options.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has joined a global study of an investigational cardiac implant bringing a new treatment option to people living with life-threatening symptoms of heart failure.
Corvia Medical's RESPONDER-HF study, now under way at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and about 60 other sites in the United States, Europe, and Australia, gives qualifying heart failure patients randomized access to atrial shunt therapy.
The Corvia Atrial Shunt is a minimally invasive cardiac implant that has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. In earlier safety studies, atrial shunting resulted in significant reductions in the rate of heart failure hospitalizations and sustained improvement in patients' quality of life.
Sarasota Memorial's Research Institute is enrolling patients in the confirmatory study.
Related: Sarasota Memorial breaks ground on $75 million research and education building
Led by Sarasota cardiologist Dr. Hakim Morsli, the local study is enrolling heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the most common type of heart failure, but one for which effective treatments are limited.
More than 26 million people worldwide have HF, and the majority have HFpEF, making it the largest unmet clinical need in cardiovascular medicine.
"Treating heart failure patients who remain symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy is challenging and often frustrating because standard treatments, especially those for patients with HFpEF, don't work well," Morsli, who also serves as medical director of Sarasota Memorial's cardiac rehabilitation program, said in a news release.
"Participating in the RESPONDER-HF study provides vulnerable patients in our community access to a novel, minimally invasive treatment option that has the potential to relieve their breathlessness and fatigue and give them a better quality of life."
Sarasota cardiologist Hakim Morsli, MD, medical director of Sarasota Memorial's cardiac rehabilitation program, is heading up the local study.
The atrial shunt is placed by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist during a one-time minimally invasive procedure. A catheter is used to place the shunt as a passage between the left and right atria.
Story continues
This passage allows blood to flow from the high pressure left atrium to the lower pressure right atrium, relieving pressure in the heart and lungs and thereby reducing shortness of breath, chest pain and other symptoms that put many HFpEF patients at risk.
The RESPONDER-HF is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study that will enroll up to 260 patients, age 40 or older, whose heart failure symptoms persist despite directed medical therapy. Patients will be randomized to a treatment track (to receive the investigational device) or a control track (where they will undergo testing and examination but will not receive the device), and monitored for five years.
Neither the participants nor researchers know which treatment participants receive until their 24-month follow-up visit.
The Corvia Atrial Shunt is the most widely studied atrial shunt for heart failure. It has been implanted in more than 550 patients worldwide and reviewed in academic publications.
The RESPONDER-HF trial builds on data and information from the earlier clinical trial, the largest randomized controlled trial of device-based therapy in HFpEF. Results showed that within a large responder population, representing 50% of study patients, treatment with the shunt resulted in a 45% reduction in heart failure events and a 55% greater improvement in quality of life compared to sham control.
"We are excited about the two-year outcomes in the responder group as they provide strong evidence that we have successfully identified those heart failure patients who will benefit most from atrial shunting," Jan Komtebedde, Chief Medical Officer at Corvia Medical, said in the release. "We believe the results from the confirmatory RESPONDER-HF trial will provide the additional evidence required to make the therapy available to a broader patient population."
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Memorial Hospital is part of a study of a cardiac implant
Comments
Post a Comment