hjärtkärlsvikt

Hjärtkärlsvikt, often referred to as heart failure, is a chronic condition where the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen. This can happen if the heart muscle becomes weakened, stiffened, or has to work too hard. It does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that its pumping ability is reduced.

There are two main types: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where the left ventricle doesn't contract properly, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where the left ventricle is stiff and cannot relax properly between beats. Causes can include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve problems, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), and diabetes.

Symptoms can vary but often include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and persistent coughing or wheezing. These symptoms occur because blood can back up in the body and fluid can accumulate in the lungs.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), chest X-ray, and blood tests. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. This often includes lifestyle changes like diet modification and exercise, medications to improve heart function, reduce fluid retention, and lower blood pressure, and in some cases, medical devices or surgery.