It is estimated that about half a million Portuguese suffer from heart failure. When there is heart failure, heart has difficulty pumping blood . As a consequence, there is a deficit of oxygen and nutrients, as well as an accumulation of fluids in the body. Talk with your doctor if you feel: Shortness of breath; Extreme tiredness; High heart speed constantly; Swelling in the legs or abdomen; Fainting. These symptoms can be symptoms of heart failure. To confirm the diagnosis of heart failure, your doctor may ask you to do some diagnostic tests that will allow you to: Assess the severity of heart failure; Help to identify the cause of your symptoms. Several diseases can cause heart failure, including: High blood pressure; Coronary artery disease; Diseases of the heart muscle or myocardiopathies; Diseases of the heart valves. Heart failure is a chronic disease, with a mortality rate higher than some types of cancer. However, with proper treatment it is possible to live with heart failure . Treatment almost always involves medications that must be taken uninterruptedly . In addition, and depending on the cause and severity of heart failure, other interventions may be necessary, such as: Cardiac catheterization; Cardiac surgery; A pacemaker or cardioverter to help your heart functioning. Author : José Ferreira Santos Read more about heart failure Meet the cardiology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
