Heart failure is a serious health problem that affects the quality of life of many people today. This condition is defined as the inability of the heart to pump blood sufficiently and carry the oxygen and nutrients the body needs. Heart failure is characterized by different types and symptoms and can be controlled with appropriate treatment methods. In this article, we will get to know heart failure more closely, learn about congestive heart failure, and learn the symptoms and treatment methods of this disease.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. This occurs due to a reduced ability of the heart to contract and relax. Heart failure can be acute or chronic. Acute heart failure has a sudden onset and is a serious condition that needs to be treated quickly. Chronic heart failure, on the other hand, develops over time and usually lasts a lifetime. There are different types of heart failure, including left ventricular failure, right ventricular failure and biventricular failure.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that occurs as a result of the left side of the heart working inadequately. In this condition, the left side of the heart is unable to pump enough blood, which results in the blood not carrying enough oxygen to the lungs and other parts of the body. Congestive heart failure occurs due to the reduced ability of the heart’s left ventricle to contract and relax and is often characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Failure?
Symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the severity and type of the disease. However, in general, the most common symptoms of heart failure are;
- Shortness of breath
- Pay,
- Fatigue and weakness,
- Rapid weight gain,
- Loss of appetite and nausea,
- Coughing and wheezing,
- Mental confusion,
Heart failure treatment depends on the cause, severity and type of the disease. Generally, lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, surgical interventions are used to control the disease and improve quality of life.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood. This causes the body not to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Heart failure can have many causes and some of these causes can be listed as follows;
- Heart diseases,
- High blood pressure,
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney failure,
- Thyroid diseases,
- Alcohol and drug use,
What Are The Stages of Heart Failure?
Heart failure is usually divided into four stages. These stages are as follows;
Stage 1: In this stage, there are no symptoms of heart failure, but risk factors are present. For example, there may be conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity.
Stage 2: In this stage, there are no symptoms of heart failure, but heart abnormalities are present. For example, people who have had a heart attack or damage to the heart muscle enter this stage.
Stage 3: In this stage, symptoms of heart failure are present and heart abnormalities are present. For example, there may be shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue.
Stage 4: In this stage, advanced heart failure is present and symptoms are severe. At this stage, patients may need a heart transplant or other advanced treatments.
How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
To diagnose heart failure, doctors will assess the patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination and order various tests. These tests can be explained as follows;
Blood tests can help assess kidney and thyroid function and detect other conditions such as anemia or infection.
An ECG can help detect abnormalities in heart rhythm and a history of heart attacks by recording the electrical activity of the heart.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to assess the structure and function of the heart. This test can help measure the thickness of the heart muscle, valve problems and pumping capacity.
A stress test can help assess the heart’s performance during exercise. This test can help determine the presence and severity of heart disease.
Cardiac catheterization can be used to detect narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries.
f) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. These imaging tests can help assess the structure and function of the heart in more detail.
Heart failure is a serious condition that can occur for many different reasons. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve patients’ quality and expectation of life.
How Is Heart Failure Treated?
Heart failure is a general term for a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately. Heart failure treatment is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life, alleviating symptoms, reducing hospitalizations and prolonging life. Heart failure treatment involves lifestyle changes, medication and sometimes surgery.
Lifestyle changes
An important step in the treatment of heart failure is lifestyle changes.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption,
- Healthy and balanced nutrition,
- Reducing salt intake,
- Increasing the level of physical activity,
- Managing stress,
- Ensuring sleep patterns,
Drug treatment
Medicines used to treat heart failure help to relieve symptoms, improve the functioning of the heart and reduce the risk of complications. Medicines used include:
- ACE inhibitors,
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Digoxin
- Aldosterone antagonists,
Surgical methods and devices
Surgical methods and devices may be used in patients whose heart failure progresses despite medication and lifestyle changes.
- Pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD),
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT),
- Ventricular assist device (VAD),
- Heart transplant
Can Heart Failure Kill?
Heart failure is a serious and progressive condition. Left untreated, heart failure can shorten life expectancy and have fatal consequences. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many heart failure patients can improve their quality of life and prolong life.
Especially with lifestyle changes, medication and necessary surgical interventions, patients’ symptoms can be controlled and the risk of complications reduced. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to the treatment plan have a positive impact on the prognosis of heart failure.
Heart Failure Treatment Prices in Turkey
Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.
- Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
- Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
- Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
- Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
- Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
- Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
- Easy transportation.
- Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.
Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Heart Failure Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the shape of the lips to be made to the person, the type of material, extra aesthetic request, treatment process, and the duration of stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.
Vimfay International Health Services