Heart failure refers to a serious medical condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the body. It affects most people around the world, and understanding the different types of heart failure can help patients and caregivers better manage the condition. Heart failure is not a single disease but a group of related conditions, and it can be classified into types based on the nature of the problem and the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Types of Heart Failure

1. Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)

This type of heart failure is commonly referred to as systolic heart failure. It occurs when the heart muscle weakens and can’t contract properly to pump blood. The left ventricle, which is the main chamber responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, loses its ability to contract forcefully. As a result, the heart’s ejection fraction (the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with every contraction) drops below normal levels (typically under 40%).

People with this condition often experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. The causes of this condition might vary, but common factors are coronary artery disease, heart attack, and cardiomyopathy.

2. Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

In contrast to HFrEF, HFpEF is also known as diastolic heart failure. In this type, the heart’s pumping ability is not as much of an issue, but the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood gets impaired. The heart muscle becomes stiff and less compliant, meaning it can’t fill properly during the resting phase (diastole). As a result, the heart’s ability to deliver an adequate amount of blood to the body is compromised, even though the ejection fraction may remain normal (typically above 50%).

HFpEF is more common in older adults, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as obesity. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, and fluid retention.

3. Right-Sided Heart Failure

Right-sided heart failure happens when the right side of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the lungs. This can be caused by left-sided heart failure (which leads to fluid build-up and increased pressure in the lungs), lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

The symptoms of right-sided heart failure include swelling in the legs, abdomen, and a build-up of fluid in the liver and other organs. It is important to manage the underlying causes of right-sided heart failure, such as lung disease or left-sided heart failure.

4. Acute vs. Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure can also be classified as acute or chronic depending on the duration and severity of the condition.

  • Acute heart failure develops suddenly and can be life-threatening. It may result from a heart attack or other sudden cardiac events, causing rapid deterioration of heart function.
  • Chronic heart failure, on the other hand, develops gradually over time and may be managed with long-term treatments. Chronic heart failure may still have acute exacerbations, which are periods when symptoms worsen significantly.

Conclusion


Early detection, lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgeries can significantly improve the quality of life for people with heart failure. In case you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of heart failure, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly to ensure appropriate care. Consult with the best heart specialist in Mukundapur for comprehensive treatment.