Tampa Bay Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic presents

Heart Health through Education

Living with Heart Failure

Hector Fontanet, M.D., FACC

with Marie Cheine, Medical Writer 

May 26, 2005

When a heart’s pumping power is reduced by a heart attack, untreated blood pressure, or other abnormal

heart conditions, a syndrome known as congestive heart failure (CHF) exists. Heart failure is a progressive

condition in which the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood through the body to supply the necessary

amount of oxygen. Heart failure cannot be cured. However, physicians have many options for treatment

aimed at reducing symptoms and need for hospitalization, preventing progression of the disease

and improving one’s quality of life.

Unfortunately, many do not realize they have heart failure. This is because some of the key symptoms --

fatigue, shortness of breath and inability to exercise can be viewed as signs of being out of shape

or normal aging. Some compensate for symptoms by taking an elevator instead of climbing the stairs,

sleeping with extra pillows or cutting back on usual daily activities. Often the symptoms necessitate an

emergency room visit where the condition is first diagnosed. Early detection and treatment can be lifesaving.

The choice of treatment for heart failure differs from patient to patient, depending upon the degree

to which the heart failure has progressed and the underlying cause of heart failure. Two classes

of medications, ACE inhibitors and Beta Blockers have shown to improve survival, overall well being

and exercise capacity and in some instances, normalize heart function. Only a physician can determine

the best treatment options for a patient. In addition to medication, life style changes and inotropic

 infusions, there are implantable devices that, along with optimal medical therapy, can improve the

heart’s ability to supply blood and oxygen to the body.

As many as 50% of patients with heart failure have abnormalities in their hearts that cause inefficient

and uncoordinated beats of the heart (www.Mayoclinic.com.)  A special device known as a cardiac

resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) is a special pacemaker that is implanted to help the lower

heart chambers (ventricles) to beat together (in synchrony) and reduce the symptoms of heart failure.

This special pacemaker is also known as a biventricular pacemaker.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a clinically proven treatment option that improves the quality of life,

 increases the ability to exercise and improves the functional class of many patients with heart failure.

Candidates for this implantable therapy are patients diagnosed with moderate to severe heart failure and

who remain symptomatic on optimal medical treatment.

There have been numerous advances in the treatment of heart failure. Today, medications, device

and surgical treatments can not only relieve its symptoms but also slow the progression of this condition.

Only a physician can determine if you have heart failure by taking a detailed medical history, performing a

physical examination, and performing painless diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram. If you

or your loved one is experiencing any of the key symptoms of heart failure or has been diagnosed with

heart failure or have suffered from heart attack in the past, seek the advice of a

primary care physician or a cardiologist.

Source: American Heart Association

            Mayo Clinic