Heart failure, another disease that our hospital's cardiology outpatient clinic deals with, disrupts the functions of the heart and affects the life of the individual.

What is Heart Failure?

In some cases, heart failure occurs because the heart cannot pump enough blood and becomes more tired than normal. As a result of this deterioration, fluid may accumulate in the lungs. The heart may begin to expand and grow in order to correct this deteriorating condition. Permanent damage to tissues and organs may occur due to problems in the way the heart works. Heart failure can also be a chronic disease and accounts for the majority of heart failure patients. Although heart failure, which is a serious type of disease, is more common in men, the mortality rate in women may be higher.

Heart Failure Symptoms Symptoms of heart failure become more severe as the disease progresses. It is very important to recognize these symptoms and treat them before they progress too far. Common symptoms of heart failure can be listed as follows: Shortness of breath Weakness, early fatigue Loss of appetite Nausea Edema Dizziness Palpitations Cough and pink or white sputum Frequent urination at night Constant sleepiness.

What are the Causes of Heart Failure?

The reason for insufficient blood pumping may be due to weakness in the heart muscle or the heart muscle's inability to relax normally. The biggest sources of heart failure are hypertension and diabetes. Some heart and heart valve diseases can also cause this condition. Heart failure occurs when the heart is weakened or damaged due to diseases.

Genetic factors and coronary artery disease also play an important role in the emergence of the disease. If there is this disease in your family, your risk of having it is high. Diagnosis of Heart Failure: The patient must consult a doctor as a result of the symptoms and a physical examination is performed after listening to the patient's complaints. Electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHO), cardiac radiography, scintigraphy, angiography,  Diagnosis can be made using technological methods such as heart MRI and holter. As a result of these examinations, it is evaluated whether the symptoms are due to heart failure. Treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis. Heart Failure Treatment: The initial aim of treatment is to stop tissue damage and eliminate negative symptoms in the patient's daily life. The patient should pay attention to salt and fluid consumption and regulate his nutrition and lifestyle. In heart failure, a treatment method is applied depending on the stage of the disease. Patients who are deemed suitable for drug treatment may often have to use more than one drug. Medicines must be used in the correct dosage. If it is due to rhythm or valve problems and causes vascular occlusion, these diseases are primarily treated with surgical methods such as angiography, stent, heart valve surgery and bypass.

If necessary, batteries can be inserted to correct the rhythm problem or to help the heart work more effectively. In the last stage, heart transplantation is used. When necessary, our cardiologist will cooperate with other units related to the disease and will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you after the correct diagnosis.