Types of Heart Failure - Know its Symptoms & Causes

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions around the globe¹. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications. While it may sound alarming, it's important to remember that heart failure is a manageable condition with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
In order to better understand heart failure, it is crucial to familiarise ourselves with its different types. By gaining insight into these subcategories, we can grasp the unique characteristics and underlying causes associated with each type. In this particular article, we will explore the various types of heart failure, shedding light on this common yet often misunderstood condition. Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to deepen your knowledge or an individual looking to better understand your own heart health, we aim to provide you with valuable insights and information.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It usually happens when the muscles of the heart become weak or suffer damage, resulting in a decreased capacity to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. This can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attacks, certain infections, and such other underlying conditions.
Medical management plays a crucial role in controlling symptoms, slowing disease progression, and ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by heart conditions. Managing heart failure requires a comprehensive approach that involves lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, regular monitoring, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals. By following a personalised treatment plan, individuals with heart failure can effectively manage their condition and minimise its impact on their daily lives. When it comes to treating heart conditions, there are a range of options available to patients. These options may include lifestyle modifications and medications as well as surgical interventions, and in some cases, heart transplantation. Each treatment option is carefully considered based on the individual's specific needs and the severity of their condition.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Recognising the symptoms is crucial to seek appropriate medical care. Here are some common symptoms of heart failure that should not be ignored:

1.Shortness of breath: Feeling breathless, especially during physical activity or while lying down, can be a sign of heart failure. This occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe properly.
2.Waking up short of breath at night: If you frequently wake up gasping for air or need to sit upright to catch your breath, it could indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs during sleep.
3.Chest pain: While chest pain can have various causes, it is important not to disregard it as it may be a symptom of heart failure. The pain may feel like pressure or tightness and can radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
4.Palpitations: Heart palpitations refer to an irregular heartbeat or a sensation of rapid fluttering in the chest. This can occur due to an overworked and weakened heart.
5.Fatigue when you're active: Feeling excessively tired or exhausted with minimal exertion could be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively throughout your body.
6.Swelling in your ankles, legs, and abdomen: Fluid retention caused by heart failure often leads to swelling (edema) in these areas due to poor circulation.
7.Weight gain: Sudden weight gain without any apparent reason could indicate fluid retention associated with heart failure.
8.Needing to urinate while resting at night: Increased nocturnal urination might occur as excess fluid from the body accumulates in the bloodstream and eventually reaches the kidneys.
9.A dry, hacking cough: One symptom that may indicate heart failure is a persistent dry cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. This cough may worsen at night or when lying down due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
10.A full (bloated) or hard stomach: Another symptom often experienced by individuals with heart failure is a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach area. This occurs due to fluid retention in the body, which can lead to swelling and discomfort in the abdomen.

11. Loss of appetite or upset stomach (nausea): Heart failure can affect digestion and lead to changes in appetite and digestion rhythm. Individuals may experience a loss of appetite or feel nauseous after eating even small amounts of food. If you experience any combination of these symptoms, it is important not to ignore them and seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and treatment options tailored specifically for you.

Types of Heart Failure

There are several types of heart failure, each with its own unique characteristics and underlying causes. Understanding these different types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In this section, we will look at the various types of heart failure

• Systolic Heart Failure
  Systolic heart failure is a critical type of heart failure that occurs when the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body, becomes weakened. As a result, the heart lacks the ability to contract with sufficient force in order to effectively pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body.

It is often characterised by a reduced ejection fraction. The ejection fraction is the % of blood that is pumped out of your heart with each contraction. This condition can have significant implications for the overall functioning of the heart and can lead to various symptoms and complications.

• Diastolic Heart Failure
  Diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is a condition that affects the functioning of the heart. Unlike systolic heart failure, which occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak and unable to pump blood effectively, diastolic heart failure is characterised by stiffness and reduced compliance of the heart muscle. This stiffness makes it challenging for the ventricles to relax and fill with blood during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle leading to impaired filling of the heart chambers, reducing the amount of blood pumped out to the body during each contraction.

• Sides-based Heart Failure
  Heart Failure can also be classified into different types based on the side of the heart primarily affected. Understanding these types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We can categorise heart failure based on whether it primarily affects the left or right side of the heart or is biventricular.
  
  a. Left-Sided Heart Failure: This happens when the heart’s left ventricle fails to pump adequate blood throughout the body. This leads to a buildup of blood in the pulmonary veins, which are responsible for carrying blood away from the lungs. As a result, individuals may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and coughing, particularly during physical exertion. It is important to note that left-sided heart failure is the most prevalent form of heart failure.
  
  b. Right-Sided Heart Failure: Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle of the heart is too weak to pump sufficient blood to the lungs. As a result, blood accumulates in the veins, causing increased pressure. This pressure can force fluid out of the veins and into surrounding tissues. Consequently, fluid builds up in the legs, and occasionally in the genital area, organs, or abdomen.
  
  c. Biventricular Heart Failure: Biventricular heart failure is a condition where both sides of the heart are affected, leading to a range of symptoms similar to those seen in both left-sided and right-sided heart failure. One of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals with biventricular heart failure is shortness of breath, which can occur during physical activity or even at rest. This is often accompanied by a build-up of fluid in the body, known as edema, which can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
  
  

Causes of Heart Failure

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of heart failure, ranging from lifestyle choices to underlying health conditions. Have a look at some of the common causes of heart failure. It is significant to understand and address these factors for better heart health:

1. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
   CAD is the most common cause of heart failure. CAD occurs when cholesterol and fatty deposits build up in the heart's blood vessels, leading to blockages. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, eventually causing it to weaken and fail.
   
   
2. Past heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
   During a heart attack, the heart tissue is damaged due to a lack of blood flow. Even mild heart attacks can leave behind scar tissue that impairs the heart's ability to pump effectively. This can potentially lead to heart failure over time.
   
   
3. High blood pressure (hypertension)
   Persistent high blood pressure puts a strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Eventually, this increased workload can weaken the heart muscles and lead to heart failure.
   
   
4. Obesity
   Obesity is a significant cause of heart failure. When you are overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Additionally, obesity increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and cardiomyopathy.
   
   
5. Diabetes
   One of the causes of heart failure is diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high and uncontrolled, it can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Additionally, people with diabetes often have higher rates of obesity and hypertension, which are also risk factors for heart failure.
   
   
6. Valvular heart disease
   When one or more of the heart valves become damaged or diseased, it can disrupt the normal blood flow through the heart. This impairment can lead to inefficient pumping of blood, eventually resulting in heart failure.
   
   
7. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
   Excessive levels of thyroid hormones in the body can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. Elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism can put excessive stress on the heart, leading to long-term damage and eventually heart failure.
   
   
8. Severe anaemia
   This is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. This can put a strain on the heart and lead to heart failure.
   
   
9. Abnormal heart rhythms
   This is also known as arrhythmias and can disrupt the normal pumping function of the heart and contribute to the development of heart failure.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the different types of heart failure is crucial in effectively managing this condition. From systolic and diastolic heart failure to left-sided and right-sided heart failure, each type requires specific treatment approaches. By recognising the symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with heart failure. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan based on the specific type of heart failure diagnosed.