Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weaker and pumps less forcefully than it should. The lower chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles, frequently exhibit dyssynchrony, which is when one of these events occurs. These factors contribute to blood circulation not functioning as it should.

The term "heart failure" is deceptive since it implies that your heart stops beating quickly. Instead, when your heart muscle steadily deteriorates, heart failure eventually sets in. Your heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet your body's requirements is referred to as "failure".

As the heart muscle weakens other problems can result:

• The heart's electrical system can become disrupted. This can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). In fact, SCD is 6-9 times more common in people with heart failure than in the general population.
• The heart can become enlarged. Your heart tries to work harder since it is not able to pump enough blood. Over time, the heart can grow larger, even though it is weak.
• Not enough blood flows to your body's tissues. Consequently your heart beats faster to try to get more oxygen to your tissues. And the faster heart rate makes your weakened heart work even harder.
• Not enough blood flows to the kidneys. If your kidneys do not receive enough blood, you may have water retention, swelling (in the legs and feet), and high blood pressure. All of these problems can also cause the heart to work harder.

When discussing heart failure, doctors typically utilize two basic systems: classes and stages. Look under the heading "What are the symptoms?" to find out more information.

Visit the Heart & Blood Vessel Basics section to find out more about the function of your heart's electrical system and how your heart operates.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart dropsy are further names for heart failure.

What is the cause of Heart failure?

Everybody has a different set of causes for heart failure. One can be born with a condition that leads to heart failure. It's possible for someone else to contract a disease or experience a severe heart condition that results in heart failure. All of the causes have one thing in common: they interfere with the heart's natural ability to pump blood. cardiac failure can be brought on by almost any type of blood vessel or cardiac disease.

Here are some of the contributing factors:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack-CAD puts you at higher risk for heart attack. And if you have had a heart attack, you are 5 times more likely to develop heart failure.
• Diabetes
• Aging
• An enlarged heart

An enlarged heart itself can have a number of causes:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• High blood pressure-it makes you twice as likely to develop heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• A viral infection in the heart
• A congenital heart problem (present from birth)

In addition, all of the risk factors that you can control (such as eating habits, exercise, smoking) make a difference in how likely you are to have a heart condition, including heart failure. To learn more, go to the Risk Factors section.

What are the symptoms of Heart failure?

Symptoms of heart failure get worse over time. The most common symptoms include:

• Breathlessness—this could get worse if you lie down.
• Fatigue: This occurs when the blood supply of oxygen to your muscles is insufficient.
• This is a sensation of your heart pounding rapidly or of an erratic beating.
• Chronic cough: caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• Retention of fluid is a common occurrence, particularly in the legs and feet.

Heart palpitations, or the sensation that your heart is racing or that your heartbeat is erratic, can also be symptoms. Additionally, some people experience nausea, an appetite loss, dizziness, fainting spells, or difficulties focusing.

Two common approaches are used by doctors to describe heart failure. Each system has a slightly different way of explaining cardiac failure.

When determining whether a patient has heart failure or is at risk for it, some clinicians use the term "stages". Based on structural heart disease, this terminology for heart failure is relatively recent.

• Stage A-is at risk for heart failure, but does not have structural heart disease
• Stage 8-has structural heart disease but does not yet have heart failure symptoms
• Stage C-has heart failure symptoms
• Stage D-has "end-stage" heart failure, when most treatments are no longer effective

More often, doctors describe a person's heart failure according to "class."

• Class I-has heart failure but does not yet have heart failure symptoms
• Class II-has symptoms with mid-level exercise
• Class Ill-has symptoms with low-level exercise
• Class IV-has symptoms even when at rest

What tests could I have?

One or more of the tests described below may be recommended by your doctor to determine whether you have heart failure. The outcomes of the test may also aid your doctor in determining the best course of action for you.

You may occasionally be referred to specialists for diagnosis, testing, and occasionally treatment. Visit the section on your treatment team for more information.

Cardiac Catheterization

• Cardiac Catheterization
• CT Scan
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Electrophysiology (EP) Study
• MRI
• Stress Test

What is a cardiac catheterization?

A treatment known as a cardiac catheterization involves inserting a tiny, flexible tube known as a catheter into a blood vessel. Typically, a blood vessel in your groin (or occasionally, your arm) is used to insert the catheter. Your doctor "steers" the catheter gently in the direction of your heart or a potential blocked blood vessel. Numerous examinations and treatments involving the heart and blood vessels begin with a cardiac catheterization.

For instance, the initial step in an angiography is frequently a cardiac catheterization. Your doctor uses a catheter to inject dye into your arteries during an angiography to detect any blockages. A catheterization allows your doctor to:

• Measure blood pressure in your heart or lungs
• Take a tiny sample (a biopsy) of your heart muscle
• Determine how much oxygen is in your blood
• Measure the amount of blood flowing through your heart and blood vessels
• Do an electrophysiology (EP) study to check the electrical system in your heart

During a cardiac catheterization, your doctor may also treat any blocked blood vessels with one or more of these procedures to improve blood flow:

• An atherectomy– using a catheter with a cutting tool to clear plaque from an artery
• A balloon angioplasty– using a catheter with a balloon that expands and presses plaque against the side of an artery
• A stent implant-inserting a tiny mesh tube into an artery to help keep it open after plaque has been cleared

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan

What is a CAT scan?

An advanced form of x-ray is known as a computerized (or computed) tomography (CAT, or CT) scan. Let's use the example of the heart even though a CAT scan can be utilized to obtain images of many different body parts. Typical x-rays display two-dimensional pictures.

of the heart, including its size. However, a CAT scan makes use of an x-ray machine that goes around your body while taking several pictures of the heart. differing kinds of tissue absorb differing amounts of the x-rays as little amounts of them move through your body. When compared to a conventional x-ray, this helps to produce a more accurate image.

On a television monitor, the CAT scan images are combined to provide a three-dimensional perspective with length, width, and depth. A CAT scan provides a considerably more accurate image of the complete heart than a conventional two-dimensional x-ray since it is a three-dimensional image.

Numerous medical diseases can be found using a CAT scan, including cancers and bone issues like osteoporosis. A CAT scan is frequently used to determine the following in relation to heart and blood vessel disease:

• Some types of heart disease, such as heart failure
• A blood vessel blockage or blood clot

What can I expect?

Normally, before a computed tomography (CAT) scan, you take off your clothes and put on a hospital sheet or gown. On an exam table, you are lying. The table gently travels inside a doughnut-shaped machine as the test gets underway.

You may occasionally be given a contrast dye, typically through the insertion of an intravenous (IV) line into your arm. The dye enables images of your heart or blood vessels to appear on a monitor. The dye, for instance, makes your blood arteries visible during a test to examine them—almost like roads on a map. The dye may have the following effects on you:

When the dye reaches your mouth's blood vessels, you may experience a metallic taste as well as a warm flushing sensation and brief nausea.

The technician instructs you to maintain bodily stillness throughout the scan. You can sometimes maintain your position with the use of straps and/or pillows. The table gently glides through the apparatus as the x-ray tube revolves around your body. During the scan, you might be requested to hold your breath sometimes. Although the CAT scan is often not painful, lying still for anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes throughout the exam may make you feel uncomfortable.

Echocardiogram

What is an echocardiogram?

The term "echo" refers to a three-dimensional, moving image of your heart obtained during an echocardiogram. Doppler ultrasound is used in an echo. It resembles the ultrasound examination given to expectant mothers. People cannot hear the sound waves that are emitted by the echo machine. The waves travel through the heart and over the chest. The heart's "echo" or reflection of the waves reveals:

• The shape and size of your heart
• How well the heart valves are working
• How well the heart chambers are contracting
• The ejection fraction (EF), or how much blood your heart pumps with each beat

What can I expect?

You strip up to your waist for an echocardiography, put on a hospital gown, and lie on a table. To aid transfer the sound waves, the technician applies gel to your side and chest. The technician will then slide a transducer, which resembles a pen, around on your side or chest. The transducer captures the sound waves' echoes. A moving image of your heart is displayed on a specialized monitor at the same time. Depending on the component of the test you're taking, you might be asked to lie on your back or your side. In order for the technician to acquire a clear picture of your heart, you might also be requested to briefly hold your breath. A test with an echo is painless. You feel only light pressure on your skin as the transducer moves back and forth.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) shows the electrical activity of your heart. Your heartbeats, or cardiac rhythms, are detected and recorded by the ECG. On a piece of paper strip, the results are printed. Also useful to your doctor is an ECG.

diagnose whether:

• You have arrhythmias
• Your heart medication is effective
• Blocked coronary arteries (in the heart) are cutting off blood and oxygen to your heart muscle
• Your blocked coronary arteries have caused a heart attack

In all, there are three kinds of tests that record your heart's electrical activity, each for a different period of time:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)done in the doctor's office. It records your heart rhythms for a few minutes.
• Holter monitoring– records and stores (in its memory) all of your heart rhythms for 24-48 hours.
• Event recorder-constantly records your heart rhythms. But it stores the rhythms (in its memory) only when you push a button.

What are the parts of an ECG strip?

Waves are the peaks that appear on an electrocardiogram (ECG) strip. All of the peaks and valleys together provide vital information to your doctor about the health of your heart:

• The P-wave displays contraction of the atria, the upper chambers of your heart.

• The bottom chambers (ventricles) of your heart can be seen constricting in the QRS complex.

• Your heart's ventricles can be seen relaxing in the T-wave.

What can I expect?

You take off your clothes up to your waist, put on a medical gown, and lie down on a table to have an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your chest, neck, arms, and legs may receive as many as 12 electrode patches. The electrodes on the ECG equipment sense the electrical signals coming from the heart. The device then plots a strip of graph paper with the beat of your heart on it.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

Using magnets, radio waves, and computer technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide images of various bodily parts. MRI is particularly helpful for capturing precise pictures of soft tissues. For instance, a lot of people get an MRI to examine their blood arteries and/or hearts.

In a sizable, tube-shaped machine, MRI is performed. A powerful magnetic field is produced by coils inside the machine's walls. Radio waves are sent and received by additional coils inside the machine's walls. Your body responds to the radio waves by sending out a few weak signals. A computer builds three-dimensional representations of the interior of your body as the device detects the weak signals.

The images can reveal:

• Blockages in blood vessels
• The size and thickness of your heart's chambers
• Damaged muscle from a heart attack
• How your heart valves are working

What can I expect?

You undress and put on a hospital gown or sheet before to your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You should take off any jewelry, hearing aids, and other metal objects before entering the MRI room. Because the MRI machine's magnets are so powerful, if you have any metal on your body, you run the risk of getting hurt. An MRI should normally be avoided by most persons who have a cardiac device, such as a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or heart failure device.

Before booking an MRI, all cardiac device users should check with their doctor.

You recline on a moving table in the MRI room after having an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm. During the surgery, the IV administers fluids and drugs. As an illustration, the technician might use contrast dye into the IV.

On your chest, electrode patches are applied. An electrocardiogram (ECG) has wires that the electrodes are connected to. Your heart's activity is monitored during the process using the electrodes and ECG. Your blood pressure is frequently taken with a blood pressure cuff on your arm. Although the table that you are lying on glides inside the MRI scanner, the device itself does not have any moving elements. To block out some of the machine's thumping noises, you put on headphones or earplugs. For some of the test, the technician may instruct you to lie very motionless or hold your breath. However, you might notice twitching in the muscles of your fingers or toes.

Stress Test

What is a stress test?

A form of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a stress test. Regular ECGs look at your heart's resting rhythm. Stress tests look at how your heart reacts to strain or activity. Stress testing come in a variety of forms. However, the majority of stress tests are done to determine whether or not your heart is receiving enough blood and oxygen.

Stress tests are frequently used to simulate symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. The test examines:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Your heart's electrical system

The test can show:

• If you have coronary artery disease (CAD)
• If you might be at risk for a heart attack
• The cause of symptoms like chest pain (angina)
• Whether you have irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Whether treatment- medications or an implanted device- has improved your heart and blood vessel function

You use a treadmill or a stationary cycle for one of the easier forms of stress tests. You start out slowly. To make you work harder, the machine is steadily changed. You keep working out until you have symptoms or until you become too exhausted. An exercise test, treadmill test, or exercise ECG are other names for a stress test.

The technician or nurse inserts an intravenous (IV) line during a nuclear stress test, typically in your arm. Through the IV, a tiny quantity of thallium, a radioactive material, is delivered into your blood. Since the thallium can provide your doctor with extra information about whether your heart receives enough blood and oxygen, a nuclear stress test is typically performed as part of a regular stress test. But since another medication can be given to make your heart pump harder, a nuclear stress test can still be performed even if you are unable to exercise.

Following the injection of thallium, you lie on a table in front of a specialized camera. Then, the camera captures pictures of your heart. Less thallium is delivered to any area of your heart that doesn't get adequate blood and oxygen. As a result, that area of your heart appears on the photograph in a lighter color.

What can I expect?

You take off your clothes up to your waist and put on a medical gown before a stress test. Your chest, neck, arms, and legs may receive as many as 12 electrode patches. The electrocardiogram (ECG)'s cables are connected to the electrodes. The apparatus then logs the electrical activity of your heart as it is detected by each electrode. Your arm will also be fitted with a blood pressure cuff, and regular blood pressure checks will be performed. You will also have an IV placed (often into your arm) if you are undergoing a nuclear stress test.

Even though it can occasionally trigger unpleasant symptoms, a stress test rarely itself hurts. However, the test works you out because you have to exercise until you're exhausted. Typically, a nurse will converse with you and instruct you throughout the test. After you stop exercising, the nurse will continue to check your symptoms, blood pressure, and heart rate for another 10-15 minutes.

What are the treatment options?

Your doctor can advise changes to your lifestyle as a part of your treatment. For instance, it's crucial that persons with heart failure consume low-fat foods, especially those that are low in salt (low in sodium). Visit the Risk Factors section to learn more.

As a part of your treatment, your doctor might advise cardiac rehabilitation. In cardiac rehabilitation, you collaborate with a group of medical professionals who assist in your recovery. The team's goal is to teach you how to prevent future heart-related issues by:

• It suggests the exercises that are most appropriate for you.
• Offers new dietary recommendations.
• Places drug orders to lessen your discomfort.
• Regains or teaches you new coping and lifestyle skills.
• Suggests altering one's way of living (e.g., emphasizing activities that don't exhaust you).

As part of your treatment, your doctor may suggest lifestyle adjustments. For example, it's imperative that people with heart failure eat low-fat foods, particularly those that are low in salt (low in sodium). For more information, go visit the Risk Factors section.

Your doctor might suggest cardiac rehabilitation as part of your care. When undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, you work with a team of medical specialists who aid in your recovery. The team wants to help you learn how to avoid future heart-related problems by:

• Symptoms getting worse.
• The values of your blood pressure.
• Your mass.

It is crucial that you track and disclose this information if your doctor requests you to. When you tell your doctor about changes in your weight and blood pressure, for instance, they may act immediately to alter your course of therapy. You never know—that modification might prevent a hospital visit.

Heart failure cannot be cured. However, certain treatments and drugs can lessen your discomfort.

Medications

• ACE Inhibitors
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
• Beta Blockers
• Diuretics
• lnotropes
• Statins
• Vasodilators

Procedures

• Defibrillator Implant
• Heart Failure Device Implant
• Heart Transplant

Medications

Tips for Taking Heart Medications

You might wish to learn more about some of the medications you take if you have a heart or blood vessel condition. Some drugs that are frequently recommended for heart or blood vessel disorders are described in this section. Additionally, it offers some advice on how to take your drugs as directed.

Make sure to disclose all prescription medications and dietary supplements you are using to your doctor and any new doctors who will write you a prescription. Then, your doctor can assist in ensuring that you receive the most from your prescriptions. Informing your doctor of this information also helps to prevent negative drug interactions.

Every time you receive a new medication, you might also want to talk about these subjects with your physician or nurse:.

• Why you are taking the drug, as well as any potential negative effects and anticipated advantages.
• When and how to take your prescription drugs.
• In case you use any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, or other medications.

Your heart may occasionally require several months to acclimatize to new drugs. So it's possible that you won't see any progress immediately away. Your doctor's evaluation of the proper dosage can take some time as well.

Blood testing may occasionally be required for patients on heart medicines. The blood tests assist your doctor in determining the proper dosage, assisting in the prevention of negative side effects.

Never alter your medication's dosage or stop taking it on your own initiative because you feel better without it, no longer need it, or don't think it's functioning as intended.

If you have: Be sure to discuss it with your doctor or nurse.

• Questions about how your medications work
• Unpleasant side effects
• Trouble remembering to take your pills
• Trouble paying for your medications
• Other factors that prevent you from taking your medications as needed
• Questions about taking any of your medications

And don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how and when to take your medications.

ACE Inhibitors

The abbreviation "ACE" stands for "angiotensin-converting enzyme." ACE inhibitors are drugs that assist in reducing the amount of angiotensin II that your body produces naturally.

Some generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• benazepril (Lotensin)
• captopril (Capoten)
• enalapril (Vasotec)
• fosinopril (Monopril)
• lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• moexipril (Univasc) perindopril erbumine (Aceon)
• quinapril (Accupril) ramipril (Altace)
• trandolapril (Mavik)

What they're used for

• To lower blood pressure
• To treat low ejection fraction (EF), a condition associated with heart failure, to lessen the effects of a heart attack and to aid in the prevention of new heart attacks

How they work

ACE medications prevent an enzyme from producing angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is used by the body to maintain healthy blood pressure and fluid balance. Angiotensin II, however, can affect your heart and blood vessels over the long run. In addition to raising blood pressure, it can cause blood vessels to narrow.

Taking ACE inhibitors can:

• Relax the arteries
• Lower blood pressure
• Help the heart work more effectively

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

ARBs are drugs that assist in reducing the effects of angiotensin II, a naturally occurring substance your body generates. ARBs are sometimes known as angiotensin II inhibitors for this reason. Your body responds in a similar way to ARBs and ACE inhibitors. In fact, doctors frequently recommend ARBs for patients who are unable to take ACE inhibitors.

Some generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• candesartan (Atacand)
• eprosartan (Teveten)
• irbesartan (Avapro)
• losartan (Cozaar)
• olmesartan (Benicar)
• telmisartan (Micardis)
• valsartan (Diovan)

What they're used for

To treat high blood pressure To treat heart failure and related conditions

How they work

A substance called angiotensin II causes the blood vessels to contract. ARBs prevent this chemical's effects. Contrarily, ACE inhibitors stop your body from making this molecule. ARBs can do this by enabling blood vessels to continue to be widened (dilated), which lowers blood pressure.

Taking ARBs can:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lessen work for the heart

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers get their name because they "block" the effects of substances like adrenaline on your body's "beta receptors."

Some generic (and brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• acebutolol (Monitan)
• atenolol (Tenormin)
• betaxolol (Kerlone)
• bisoprolol (Zebeta)
• carteolol (Cartrol)
• carvedilol (Coreg)
• labetalol (Trandate)
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol)
• nadolol (Corgard) penbutolol (Levatol)
• pindolol (Visken)
• propranolol (lnderal)
• sotalol (Betapace, Sorine)
• timolol (Blocadren)

What they're used for

• To lower blood pressure
• Rapid arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats or cardiac rhythms) to slow
• To avoid angina (chest pain brought on by obstructed blood flow to certain cardiac tissue) To avoid long-term harm following a heart attack
• To treat low ejection fraction (EF), a condition associated with heart failure,

How they work

These drugs prevent your sympathetic nervous system from functioning. When you are under stress or when you have certain medical disorders, your sympathetic nervous system responds. Your heart beats more quickly and forcefully when your body reacts. Additionally, your blood pressure rises.

Beta blockers suppress the sympathetic nervous system's impulses. This lowers your heart rate and prevents the constriction of your blood vessels. These two steps may lead to:

• Lower heart rate Lower blood pressure
• Less angina (chest pain related to the heart)
• Fewer arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats, or heart rhythms)

Diuretics (Water Pills)

Diuretics remove excess water from your body.

Some generic (and brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• amiloride (Midamor)
• bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin)
• bumetanide (Bumex)
• chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
• eplerenone (lnspra) ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
• furosemide (Lasix) hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Oretic)
• indapamide (Lozol)
• methyclothiazide (Enduron)
• metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
• polythiazide (Renese)
• spironolactone (Aldactone)
• torsemide (Demadex)
• triamterene (Dyrenium)

What they're used for

• to bring down blood pressure
• To lessen the edema (body swelling brought on by an excess of fluid, commonly in the legs and feet) related to diseases including heart failure

How they work

Some diuretics function by triggering the kidneys to excrete more sodium (salt) in urine. Sodium aids in removing water from the blood. Your blood pressure drops when the amount of fluid in your body lowers.

Diuretics also alleviate other symptoms including breathlessness. That's because these symptoms may be brought on by an accumulation of fluid in your lungs.

Inotropes

The term "inotrope" describes the force of the heart muscle's contractions or its ability to pump blood.

Several brand and generic names

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval to all drugs for a certain patient population or ailment. The right medication for you is something only your doctor can tell you.

(Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin) digoxin

What they're used for

• Help alleviate heart failure symptoms and associated issues like reduced ejection fraction (EF)

• Response to atrial fibrillation, a rapid heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart

How they work

Typically, the word "inotrope" refers to the force and vigor of the heartbeat. Taking lnotropics can: Increase the heart's strength and efficiency. assist in lowering and regulating heart rate

• Statins, or cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Statins are frequently referred to as cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Some generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor)
• pravastatin (Pravachol)
• rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)

What they're used for

To lower cholesterol levels To reduce the risk of conditions related to high cholesterol:

• Carotid artery disease, which can cause strokes
• Coronary artery disease (CAD), which can cause heartattacks
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which can cause leg or arm pain

How they work

Three different categories of blood lipids are affected by statin medicines. What they do is:

• Reducing the levels of LDL, commonly known as bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein reduction of triglycerides
• Increasing HDL levels, commonly known as good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein,
• Most of your cholesterol is produced by your liver. The liver produces more cholesterol than the body requires in those with high cholesterol.The additional cholesterol enters your bloodstream. Statins prevent the liver cells from overproducing cholesterol.

Vasodilators

Blood pressure reduction is one of the goals of vasodilators. Imagine the same quantity of water flowing through a 1-inch diameter hose vs a 2-inch diameter hose to comprehend how vasodilators function. The pressure on the hose walls decreases with hose size.

Vasodilators are medications that can assist relax and widen blood arteries that have become constricted.

Some generic (and Brand) names

All medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a specific patient group or condition. Only your doctor knows which medications are appropriate for you.

• doxazosin (Cardura)
• guanabenz (Wytensin)
• guanfacine (Tenex)
• hydralazine (Apresoline)
• isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, lsordil, lsochon)
• isosorbide mononitrate (lmdur, ISMO, Monoket methyldopa (Aldomet)
• minoxidil (Loniten)
• nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrogard, Nitrolingual, NitroQuick, Nitrostat))
• prazosin (Minipress)
  • reserpine (Serpalan) terazosin (Hytrin)

You may have heard of other types of vasodilators. Beta blockers, which are a common heart and blood vessel medication, are one type of vasodilator. Another type is calcium channel blockers.

What they're used for

• To lower blood pressure
• To treat or prevent angina, which can be brought on by coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis (blocked blood vessels),

How they work

Vasodilators help relax and dilate the blood vessels, so blood moves through them more easily. This helps to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Allow the heart to work with less effort Decrease the amount of angina (chest pain)

Defibrillator Implant (ICD Device Implant)

What is a defibrillator (ICD device)?

A small device called an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is used to treat arrhythmias, which are irregular cardiac beats. An ICD specifically tackles rapid arrhythmias in the ventricles, the bottom chambers of the heart. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are two examples of these arrhythmias.

An issue with your heart's electrical system causes arrhythmias. The heart's electrical signals travel along a predetermined course. Your heart contracts due to the mobility of these signals. Visit the Heart & Blood Vessel Basics section to find out more information about your heart's electrical system.

But there are much too many signals present in the ventricles during VT or VF. Additionally, the signals frequently do not follow the right channels. The signals prompt the heart to beat, but it is unable to send enough blood to your body. You run a greater chance of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) if you have either VT or VF. SCA can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD) if defibrillation is not administered very away.

Your heart's natural rhythm can be returned by using an ICD to treat VT and VF. Therefore, it lowers the chance of SCD. The gadget can administer a variety of treatments, including:

• Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) delivers very small amounts of energy to your heart-so small that you can't feel the treatment.
• Cardioversion is a low-energy shock that treats fast but regular arrhythmias.
• Defibrillation is a high-energy shock that treats fast and chaotic (irregular) rhythms.
• Defibrillation is painful for an instant, but it can also save your life.

A procedure that makes use of local anesthesia is a device implant. Typically, general anesthesia is not required.

A device that has been implanted needs to be checked frequently to analyze data that is stored inside and to monitor settings. By adopting remote monitoring, these examinations can be performed at the clinic or from the patient's cozy home.

Data from the cardiac device is gathered by remote monitoring using a compact piece of equipment that can be placed on a bedside table. Depending on the type of implanted device and how the system is programmed, data is gathered either daily or weekly. Only the patient's healthcare support team has access to the secure website where information is sent via a standard landline phone. Many times, remote monitoring eliminates the need for follow-up visits to the doctor's office for device maintenance. Remote monitoring cannot be used to inspect all devices.

How is the implant procedure done?

There are two components to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system.

The device may easily fit in the palm of your hand due to its compact size. It has a battery-powered compact computerized components.

The thin, insulated wires known as leads are what attach the device to your heart. The leads connect your heart to your device and transfer electrical impulses back and forth.

Through a small incision, usually near your collarbone, your doctor inserts the leads. The leads are delicately guided into your heart by your doctor through your blood vessels. Fluoroscopy, which displays moving, real-time x-rays on a video screen, allows your doctor to see where the leads are going.

The doctor attaches the leads to the apparatus and performs tests to ensure that both cooperate to administer the necessary treatment. The incision is then closed with stitches after your doctor inserts the device just beneath your skin near your collarbone.

What can I expect?

Usually, you are instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for a period of time prior to the treatment. You take off your clothes and don a hospital sheet or gown. You will get your procedure in a "cath lab." An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into your arm when you are lying on an examination table. During the surgery, the IV administers fluids and drugs. You get drowsy but not unconscious from the drug.

To install the leads, the doctor makes a little incision close to your collarbone. You won't feel pain because the region will be numbed, but you might feel some pressure as the leads are introduced. Because the device shocks your heart during testing, you can feel sedated.

You may be in the hospital overnight, and there may be tenderness at the incision site. Afterwards most people have a fairly quick recovery.

Heart Failure Device Implant (CRT Device Implant)

What is a heart failure device (CRT device)?

Certain types of heart failure are treated with a heart failure device, often known as a CRT device. Dyssynchrony is the medical term for the irregular pumping or contraction of the ventricles, the bottom chambers of the heart. Dyssynchrony is treated using the CRT device. Cardiac resynchronization therapy is known as CRT. The reason for the device's name is that it aids in "resynchronizing" or re-coordinating the ventricle's pumping.

A device implant is a procedure that uses local numbing. General anesthesia usually is not needed.

There are two types of CRT devices:

• A CRT-P device is a special kind of pacemaker. A regular pacemaker sends tiny amounts of energy to one side of the heart. This electrical treatment is called pacing therapy. A CRT device delivers pacing to both ventricles- both sides of the heart. This is why the CRT-P device is sometimes called a biventricular pacemaker.
• A CRT-D device offers the same type of pacing therapy described as a CRT­ P device. But it also has a built-in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

The ICD in the CRT-D device has the ability to cure dangerously rapid arrhythmias. People are more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) if they have fast arrhythmias such ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). SCA can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD) if defibrillation is not administered very away.

Additionally, SCD develops 6–9 times more frequently in persons with heart failure than in the general population.

A CRT device is useful for many patients because it reduces heart failure symptoms. However, not everyone with heart failure can benefit from the device.

A device that has been implanted needs to be checked frequently to analyze data that is stored inside and to monitor settings. Both the clinic and the patient's home might be used for these inspections.

Data from the cardiac device is gathered by remote monitoring using a compact piece of equipment that can be placed on a bedside table. Depending on the type of implanted device and how the system is programmed, data is gathered either daily or weekly. Only the patient's healthcare support staff has access to the secure website where the information is sent via a regular analog phone connection. Many times, remote monitoring eliminates the need for follow-up visits to the doctor's office for device maintenance. Remote monitoring cannot be used to inspect all devices.

How is the implant procedure done?

There are two components to a CRT-P or CRT-D setup.

The device can comfortably fit in the palm of your hand due to its small size. It has tiny battery-operated computerized components.

The thin, insulated wires known as leads are what link the device to your heart. Electrical signals are transmitted back and forth between your device and your heart through the leads.

Typically, your doctor makes a small incision close to your collarbone to insert the leads. The leads are carefully guided into your heart by your doctor via your blood vessels. Fluoroscopy is a type of real-time, moving x-ray video screen that your doctor can use to see where the leads are going.

The physician attaches the leads to the apparatus and performs tests to ensure that they function together to administer the prescribed treatment. After that, your doctor sews the incision closed and inserts the device just beneath the skin, close to your collarbone.

What can I expect?

Usually, you are instructed to refrain from food and liquids for several hours prior to the procedure. Don a hospital gown or sheet after taking off your clothes. Your technique will.

be done in a "cath lab.". An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into your arm as you are lying on an examination table. During the procedure, the IV administers fluids and medications. You become drowsy but not unconscious as a result of the medication.

To insert the leads, the doctor makes a tiny incision close to your collarbone. You won't feel any pain because the area will be numbed, but you might feel some pressure as the leads are inserted. If you have a CRT-D implant, you might be put to sleep when the device is tested because it shocks your heart. With a CRT-P implant, the majority of patients do not require anesthesia.

There might be tenderness where the incision was made, and you might spend the night in the hospital. Most people recover fairly quickly.

Heart Transplant

What is a heart transplant?

A heart transplant involves replacing a damaged heart with a healthy heart from a donor during surgery. A person with a life-threatening heart condition may live longer after receiving a heart transplant. People who have advanced heart failure that is unresponsive to alternative treatments or drugs frequently get heart transplants.

A healthy heart from a donor is given to the recipient during the transplant. The donor is typically someone whose heart is healthy but who has experienced brain death. The donor and recipient must have the same blood type and be of comparable height and weight. The two people's ages, sexes, and races can vary, though.

Four hours after the donor's healthy heart is removed, a transplant must be performed. Because of this, timing and the recipients' and donors' locations are crucial. A pager is typically always carried by people who are waiting for a transplant. After being contacted, they must have arrived at the hospital quickly.

Heart transplants are major operations that require general anesthesia and have a protracted recovery period. Every year, just over 2,000 heart transplants are performed in the US. If there were more donors, doctors could save a lot more lives.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

A procedure may be performed prior to a heart transplant. The purpose of this initial procedure is to implant a device known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The left ventricle (lower heart chamber) is susceptible to weakness due to cardiac muscle degeneration, which is why the LVAD is required. Some people's frail hearts become progressively less able to pump enough blood to the body.

By taking over the left ventricle's function, an LVAD aids. Blood entering the left ventricle is sent to the LVAD pump through a tube on the device. The blood is pumped into a blood vessel by the LVAD with just the correct amount of force.