Heart Failure

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a type of heart disease that occurs when your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood to meet your body’s needs. It’s a chronic condition that gets worse over time.

Normally, the right side of your heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to your lungs. The oxygen-rich blood flows to the left side of your heart, which pumps the blood to the rest of your body. It takes coordinated contractions of your heart muscle to pump the blood to the lungs, heart, and body. 

Heart failure occurs when your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood or your heart is unable to fill up with enough blood. Having hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea also puts you at greater risk of developing heart failure.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Heart failure symptoms vary and depend on the severity of your heart disease and the type of heart failure you have. There are two types of heart failure:

Left-sided heart failure

With left-sided heart failure, you may have shortness of breath (SOB) during physical activity as one of the earliest symptoms. Over time, you may develop a cough and feel very tired. 

Right-sided heart failure

If you have right-sided heart failure, you may develop abdominal pain, swelling in your ankles or belly, unexplained weight gain, and an increase in urination. 

Left-sided heart failure is more common than right-sided heart failure. In most people, left-sided heart failure comes first.

What can I expect during a heart failure evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit Candice Kim Cardiology for a heart failure evaluation. Dr. Kim takes a collaborative approach to care, working closely with you so she fully understands your heart condition and health goals.

Dr. Kim reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history. She asks detailed questions about your daily routine and completes a physical exam. 

To fully understand the extent of your heart failure, Dr. Kim runs various tests such as bloodwork, an echocardiogram, or a nuclear heart scan.

What are the treatments for heart failure?

Dr. Kim customizes your heart failure treatment plan to match your health needs and goals. Treatment might include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• Weight management
• Exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Treatment for hypertension, high cholesterol, or other heart-related conditions
• Stress management
• Diuretics
• Medications to improve blood flow and slow heart rate
• Pacemaker
• Mechanical heart pump
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Dr. Kim schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health and adjust your treatment plan as needed. 

For personalized management of your heart failure, call Candice Kim Cardiology or schedule an appointment online today.