Systolic Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Systolic heart failure is a common form of heart failure where the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is impaired. This condition, also called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), affects millions worldwide. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing the disease and improving quality of life.
What Is Systolic Heart Failure?
Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart’s left ventricle weakens and cannot contract properly. As a result, the heart pumps out less oxygen-rich blood to the body. This reduced pumping function can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup.
Causes of Systolic Heart Failure
Several conditions can lead to systolic heart failure, including:
- Coronary artery disease: Blockages in the arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, weakening it.
- Heart attack: Damage from a previous heart attack impairs heart muscle function.
- Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle that weaken its contraction.
- High blood pressure: Causes the heart to work harder and eventually weaken.
- Valvular heart disease: Malfunctioning valves can affect heart pumping efficiency.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms can contribute to systolic dysfunction.
Symptoms of Systolic Heart Failure
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
- Shortness of breath: Especially during physical activity or lying down.
- Fatigue and weakness: Due to reduced blood flow to muscles.
- Swelling (edema): Usually in legs, ankles, or abdomen from fluid retention.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat: As the heart tries to compensate for reduced function.
- Persistent cough or wheezing: Caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Difficulty concentrating: Resulting from decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
Diagnosing Systolic Heart Failure
Doctors use several diagnostic tools to confirm systolic heart failure:
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging to assess heart muscle contraction and ejection fraction.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity and detects irregular rhythms.
- Chest X-ray: Checks for fluid buildup and enlarged heart.
- Blood tests: Including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels that rise with heart failure.
- Stress tests and cardiac MRI: To evaluate heart function further.
Treatment and Management
Managing systolic heart failure involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes devices or surgery.
Medications
Commonly prescribed drugs include:
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs: To relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload.
- Beta-blockers: To slow heart rate and improve pumping efficiency.
- Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup.
- Aldosterone antagonists: To block harmful hormones.
- Digitalis: To strengthen heart contractions in some cases.
Lifestyle Changes
- Healthy diet: Low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Regular exercise: As recommended by your doctor.
- Weight management: To reduce strain on the heart.
- Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol: To prevent further damage.
Advanced Treatments
In severe cases, devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may be necessary. Heart transplantation is an option for eligible patients.
Living with Systolic Heart Failure
Regular follow-up and adherence to treatment plans are crucial. Monitoring symptoms and weight daily helps detect worsening conditions early. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and support groups improves coping and outcomes.
