Systolic Heart Failure

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Systolic heart failure can also be referred to as “Systolic Congestive Heart Failure“, “Decompensation Cordis” or “Systolic Cardiac Failure“.  Systolic congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure present amongst the two types of heart failure with the other known as “Diastolic Heart Failure (DHF)“. Therefore, systolic heart failure is an occurrence in which […] Read More

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Systolic Heart Failure

Systolic heart failure can also be referred to as “Systolic Congestive Heart Failure“, “Decompensation Cordis” or “Systolic Cardiac Failure“.  Systolic congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure present amongst the two types of heart failure with the other known as Diastolic Heart Failure (DHF)“. Therefore, systolic heart failure is an occurrence in which the output of the cardiac system is not sufficient to pump and satisfy the requirements of the tissues in the body required for a complete metabolism by the adequate flow of blood into the system. Congestive heart failure is the prevalent cause for most multiple states of diseases, thereby, when the left side of the ventricle located in the heart is feeble, they can not contract as it should resulting in insufficient blood flow to the whole body. The left side of the ventricle is responsible for the pumping of the blood in the body, therefore, growing larger weakens the ventricle and contracting force leading to systolic heart failure. Heart conditions and chronic diseases can lead to heart failure. TYPES OF SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE Systolic heart failure can be categorized into two; acute systolic heart failure and chronic systolic heart failure.  These types are explained below:
  • Acute Systolic Heart Failure:
Acute systolic heart failure is a sudden event where the left ventricle of the heart fails without any notice or warning. In this case, the patient needs urgent medical attention for possible survival.
  • Chronic Systolic Heart Failure:
Unlike acute systolic heart failure, chronic systolic heart failure takes place over some time and it is mostly caused by heart conditions like coronary artery disease, presence of the high blood pressure in the patient, or as a result of a damaged heart.  RISK FACTORS OF SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE Other risk factors involved in systolic heart failure are listed below:
  • High Blood Pressure
This is the most common cause of systolic heart failure. This is detrimental to the health as more pump force is required in this case to enhance the flow rate of blood through the body. This results in the increment of the thickness of the muscles in the heart limiting the strength of the heart.
  • Chronic Diseases 
Chronic diseases can be considered as a factor influencing heart failure. These chronic diseases are thyroid disease, HIV, diabetes, iron build-up. These diseases can damage the heart and result in heart failure.
  • Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is the deterioration of the myocardium affecting the muscles of the heart structure causing abnormalities leading to a damaged heart causing inadequate pumping of blood through the whole body system.
  • Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a result of a clogged artery where the flow of blood into the heart is minimal or completely blocked resulting in a possible arterial plaque. In this case, the blood vessels are narrow and restrict the optimum flow of blood to the heart muscles.
  • Arrhythmias
This is a condition of irregularities in the heartbeat causing more force than normally required for the heart. This abnormal heartbeat can be either too fast or too slow.
  • Heart Valve Problems
This is as a result of abnormalities in the opening and closing process of the heart’s valve in which some cases blood tends to leak and the valve weakens. When this happens, a higher pump rate is required to satisfy blood flow through the body system. The problem of the heart valve can occur from birth like a traitor as a result of coronary artery disease.
  • Chemotherapy
When a patient undergoes chemotherapy, certain drugs are administered to the patient. Some patients react to these medications and it damages their heart.
  • Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea involves the interruption of the breathing process while sleeping thereby incrementing the work rate of the heart.
  • Myocarditis
This is a pathological infection caused by a virus that results in the inflammation of the myocardium in the body system. With the above-stated causes, it can be concluded that excess workload on the heart can result in heart failure. SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE COMPLICATIONS Complications associated with systolic heart failure are minimal. These complications are:
  1. Possible damage to the liver.
  2. The decrease in the ability of the kidney to function.
SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE DIAGNOSIS Detecting systolic heart failure can aid to spike a fast recovery process, therefore early diagnosis is deemed important.  The systolic heart failure diagnosis includes:
  1. Chest X-ray.
  2. Blood test.
  3. Echocardiogram.
  4. Coronary angiography.
  5. Stress testing.
  6. Electrocardiogram (EKG).
SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE PREVENTION Risk factors can not be managed but they can be prevented to curb systolic heart failure. These prevention methods are listed below:
  1. Regular check-ups in a hospital can help detect symptoms early before proffering solutions.
  2. Exercising regularly, watching your diet, abstinence from smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and practicing good and healthy living can prevent heart failure.
  3. Proper use of medications administered for any disease can help prevent heart failure.
SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE PROGNOSIS The cause of the heart condition determines the prognosis for systolic heart failure. The symptoms present, the severity of the condition, previous medical issues can also determine the future forecast as some may be life-threatening while some may get better following proper medication and health maintenance. TREATMENT FOR SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE  Generally, systolic heart failure can be treated by either medication or a surgical process but it can not be completely exterminated.  The treatment process involves:
  • Medication:
Certain medications prescribed for systolic heart failure are listed below:
  1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE).
  2. Aldosterone antagonists.
  3. Beta-blockers.
  4. Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor.
  5. Angiotensin II receptor blockers.
  6. Inotropes.
  7. Diuretics.
  8. Digoxin.
  9. F-channel blocker.
  • Surgical Procedure:
The surgical process can be effective in treating systolic heart failure. These procedures are listed below:
  1. Cardiac resynchronization therapy.
  2. Heart transplant.
  3. Heart pumps.
  4. Coronary bypass surgery.
  5. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
  6. Heart valve repair or replacement.
MORTALITY RATE OF SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE Systolic heart failure is said to be chronic as the mortality rate is high. The mortality rate is placed at 10.4% for 30 days, 22% rate for 1 year, and 42.3% rate after 5 years.

Symptoms

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE

Referencing the types of systolic heart failure present, congestive heart failure can either be an instant occurrence or a gradual process. 

The signs and symptoms are listed below:

  1. Chest pain.
  2. Fatigue is frequently experienced and weakness.
  3. Decrease in sensitivity and difficulties while trying to concentrate.
  4. Frequent coughs are accompanied with a foamy mucus pink or blood-like in color. 
  5. Nauseous feeling.
  6. Lack of appetite.
  7. Inability to exercise properly.
  8. Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  9. Increase in weight.
  10. Breathing shortage causes you to wake up (dyspnea).
  11. Swelling in the lower part of the body mostly the legs.
  12. Swelling of the abdomen.

Causes

Different heart conditions and chronic diseases can result in heart failure but the basic causes of systolic heart failure are attributed to the abuse of drugs, high blood pressure, and excess consumption of alcohol.

FAQ

How long can someone survive with heart failure?

The future forecast for the survival of patients diagnosed with heart failure is ranged at 50% living below 5 years. While most patients with more advanced conditions die in a year.

What is the treatment for systolic heart failure?

Treatments for systolic heart failure range from medications to surgical procedures. The surgical procedures might include a heart transplant, heart valve replacement, e.t.c, while medications like Diuretics, ARNI, e.t.c.

What foods do cardiologists say to avoid?

Foods like bacon, processed meat, dessert, sausage, potato chips, and energy drinks should be avoided.

What are the 4 stages of heart failure?

Heart failure has four stages of growth which are Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D.

Can heart failure get better?

Proper management by following prescribed medications by the doctor can optimize the heart and increase life span.