Heart Failure

While heart failure is dangerous, properly managing it can reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. At the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona, board-certified cardiologist Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, diagnoses and treats heart failure to help you live a longer, more fulfilling life. Schedule an evaluation at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona by phone or request one online today.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition that develops when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as effectively as designed. Blood can then back up, and fluids build up in the lungs, which can lead to severe complications. See Dr. Kassim at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona at the first sign of heart problems to get the treatment needed to live your best life.

Which symptoms can heart failure cause?

Heart failure can cause the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Leg, foot, or ankle swelling
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Wheezing
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Persistent coughing
• A cough with pink or white mucus
• Abdominal swelling
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea 
• Chest pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decreased alertness

Your symptoms may develop gradually or appear abruptly. Contact Dr. Kassim at the first sign of heart problems or dial 911 if you suspect you’re having a heart attack. 

What are the risk factors for heart failure?

Heart failure may appear because of:

• Genetics
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis)
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Diabetes
• Carrying excess body weight
• Sleep apnea
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Thyroid issues
• Blood clots in the lungs
• Some medications
• Certain viruses
• Severe infections
• Aging
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Tobacco use

Heart failure might affect the left side of your heart, the right side, or both sides. When not addressed, heart failure can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure, sudden cardiac (heart) death, or liver damage. 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits reduces the risk of heart failure and other medical issues. 

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Diagnosing heart failure involves checking your vital signs, discussing your symptoms and medical history, completing a physical exam, and ordering diagnostic tests.

You might need blood testing, an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-rays, and exercise tests or stress testing. Dr. Kassim may suggest a CT scan of your heart, an MRI, a coronary angiogram using a catheter and dye, or a biopsy. 

He determines the extent of heart failure you may have and develops a personalized treatment plan. 

How is heart failure treated?

Treating heart failure depends on its cause. Your treatment plan might include lifestyle changes, medications, or a heart procedure — such as heart valve surgery, coronary bypass surgery, cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, or heart transplantation. The Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona also offers cardiac rehabilitation. 

It’s vital to avoid smoking, manage your weight, eat nutritious foods, limit dietary sodium, limit or avoid alcohol, minimize stress, and stay active. Follow up with Dr. Kassim routinely to properly manage heart failure. 

Schedule a heart failure evaluation at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona by phone or request one online today.