Chronic heart failure - is one of the most frequent complications of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This is a condition in which the heart is for any reason unable to perform its basic function - to provide the body the required amount of blood.
This pathology is widespread, especially among the elderly. In people over 65 years, chronic heart failure diagnostsirutsya at 5-6%, but if a person older than 70 years, one in ten. More common in women.
Causes of heart failure
Usually this different heart disease, including hypertension, cardiomyopathy postinfarction or change (in this case, the myocardium can not be disposed of in the proper amount of blood from the ventricle). There are also other situation where a healthy myocardium is active, but the expulsion of blood from the heart is difficult, because on her way a lot of obstacles: narrowing of major blood vessels, arterial hypertension, valvular disease, etc. The load on the heart grows and cardiac muscles have to increase in volume (hypertrophy) starts to beat faster and for a time maintained the normal operation of the cardiovascular system. But over time, in the myocardium develop pathological changes of the muscle cell is replaced by connective tissue, which is not able to reduce.
Symptoms of heart failure
The main symptom - shortness of breath on exertion, or (in advanced cases) alone. The patient also complains of heart palpitations, fatigue. Visually marked paleness or bluish skin, especially in remote areas of the heart from the body (fingers, toes, lips). Due to the presence of excess fluid retention in the body appear edema, primarily affects the lower limbs. Frequent pain in the right upper quadrant, overflows veins of the liver.
Diagnostics
Since chronic heart failure develops slowly, often patients tend to believe her symptoms manifestations of old age. Usually, a doctor treated late, and it is difficult to diagnose and treat.
Diagnosis is based on history, visual examination and additional tests. As a rule, appointed by the conduct of an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, X-ray of the chest and abdomen, the clinical and biochemical analysis of blood, urine.
Treatment of chronic disease
It is believed that the most important to reduce the workload on the heart and increase its contractility. Doctors recommend that severely limit physical activity (in severe cases, it is recommended that a strict bed rest), and a strict diet with restriction of salt and fluid.
Treatment of heart failure long-term, sometimes lifelong.
Previously, all patients were treated with cardiac glycosides (digoxin). Now they are used much less frequently, and when other drugs are ineffective or the work of the left ventricle decreased by 70%.
The action of cardiac glycosides: strengthening the work of the heart muscle, increase in exercise tolerance. Attention! When application of cardiac glycosides accumulate the drug in the body (so-called cumulative effect). If you accumulate a lot of drugs, there may come poisoning cardiac glycosides. Symptoms: decreased appetite, nausea, slow pulse, sometimes faults in heart. You must consult your doctor immediately.
When symptoms of fluid retention in the body (swelling of the legs, lungs, sudden weight gain, a sharp increase in the size of the stomach) prescribe diuretics (furosemide, diakarb, veroshpiron et al.)
Due to the recent developments in the treatment of heart failure drugs are considered to be the main angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (enalapril, Berlipril, lisinopril). They cause dilation of the arteries, reduce peripheral vascular resistance, thus facilitating the work of the heart by the ejection of blood in them. Thanks to these drugs restores the function of the inner lining of blood vessels.
Commonly prescribed beta-blockers (metoprolol, Concor, carvedilol).
Prevention of heart failure
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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