Is advanced heart failure reversible? Know this 2023

Advanced heart failure is a chronic illness in which the heart is unable to adequately pump blood to fulfill the metabolic needs of the body’s tissues. A weaker heart causes insufficient blood flow to the cells, resulting in weariness, shortness of breath, leg or ankle edema, chronic coughing or wheezing, a fast or irregular pulse, dizziness, and nausea.

Diabetes, valve disease, congenital heart disease, hypertension, heart attack or coronary artery disease, an enlarged heart, or an infection in the heart are typical causes of heart failure. Although it is not always feasible to completely cure severe heart failure, there are therapies that can alleviate symptoms, halt the course of the disease, and enhance the quality of life.

Various choices for care

Medications: Many drugs, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, SGLTi, and diuretics, can be used to treat progressive heart failure. These drugs can enhance cardiac function, reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs and other regions of the body, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and exhaustion, and increase life expectancy.

Surgery: Changes in lifestyle are also crucial in the management of heart failure. They may include keeping a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, stopping smoking and drinking, adhering to a low-sodium and water-restricted diet, and titrating medicines according to symptoms.

Surgery: Many implanted devices, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and the latest ray of hope- Left ventricular assist devices, can be used to treat progressive heart failure (LVADs). In contrast to pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can detect and rectify harmful cardiac rhythms. LVADs, which are mechanical pumps that may be implanted to assist the heart in pumping blood more efficiently, can almost eliminate the need for heart transplantation in some patients.

Surgery: In rare circumstances, surgery may be required for the treatment of progressive heart failure. To enhance blood flow and lower the burden of the heart, procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement may be required. In rare instances, a heart transplant may be necessary.

Palliative care: Some patients with advanced heart failure may benefit from palliative care. This may encompass symptom management, emotional support, CPAP therapy, and quality-of-life enhancement.