HEART FAILURE TREATMENT IN LONDON
What is heart failure?
Heart failure happens when your heart can’t pump enough blood around your body. This slower circulation can cause congestion and swelling, and fluid can start to collect in your lungs.
Heart failure is a serious condition, but it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working – it means your heart isn’t working as well as it should. With the right treatment plan, you can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Expert Cardiologist, we offer tailored heart failure treatment based on your specific condition, stage and risk factors. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are already managing the condition, we’re here to provide expert ongoing care.
Your treatment plan will include a full assessment, guidance on managing symptoms, monitoring tips and a clear follow-up plan. We’ll work closely with you to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Types of heart failure
There are two types of heart failure, both affecting different sides of your heart.
Left-sided heart failure
Left-sided heart failure affects the left ventricle, which does the bulk of the heart’s pumping. There are two types of left-sided heart failure:
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction – the ventricle can’t contract properly and becomes weaker
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction – the ventricle can’t relax and stops the heart from filling with blood while it rests
Right-sided heart failure
Right-sided heart failure often happens as a result of the left ventricle failing, leading to blood starting to collect in the veins.
What causes heart failure?
In most cases, there isn’t a single cause of heart failure. It often results from several issues over time, placing strain on the heart.
Common causes include:
- Coronary artery disease – where the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked
- Cardiomyopathy – a condition that affects the heart muscle, making it thicker or stiffer
- Arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms (where your heart beats too fast or too slow)
- High blood pressure – which makes the heart work harder than it should
Other contributors may include congenital heart conditions (from birth) or damaged heart valves. These may prevent the heart from pumping blood as it should, leading to heart failure if left untreated.
Some people may have a higher risk of heart failure than others. Risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol place extra strain on the heart and can increase your risk over time. Being overweight, smoking or living with diabetes can also damage your blood vessels and make heart failure more likely. Even being physically inactive can raise your risk, as the heart becomes less efficient when it’s not regularly exercised.
Ultimately, anything that causes long-term strain on the heart’s ability to pump effectively can increase the risk of heart failure. That’s why early detection, regular heart checks and timely treatment are so important in protecting your long-term heart health.
Symptoms of heart failure
Heart failure can develop gradually or appear more suddenly, and the symptoms often vary from person to person. One of the most common signs is breathlessness, either during activity, when lying flat or even at rest. You may also feel tired, even if you’re getting enough sleep.
Another typical symptom is swelling in the feet, ankles or legs (oedema), caused by fluid build-up.
Other possible symptoms of heart failure include:
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- A persistent cough, often worse at night
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
These symptoms aren’t always caused by heart failure, but if you notice several of them at once or they’re becoming more frequent, it’s important to seek medical advice.
If symptoms feel sudden or severe, don’t wait. Getting help early means more can be done to protect your heart.
Heart failure stages
Heart failure is usually classified into four stages, which help to assess the severity of your condition and guide your treatment plan.
The four stages are:
- Class 1 – you won’t have any symptoms during everyday activity and may not feel limited at all
- Class 2 – symptoms begin to appear during physical activity but settle when you’re at rest
- Class 3 – even light physical activity can cause symptoms, although you’ll usually feel well when resting
- Class 4 – you may feel breathless or tired even at rest, and any movement can feel difficult or uncomfortable
Understanding what stage heart failure is at helps us tailor your care and choose the most effective treatment for your current condition.
How is heart failure diagnosed?
Diagnosing heart failure usually involves a combination of heart tests that give us a clear picture of how your heart is working. At Expert Cardiologist, we offer a full range of investigations, including:
Heart failure treatment
We offer a wide range of heart failure treatment options, carefully tailored to your individual needs.
At Expert Cardiologist, we take the time to understand your condition, stage and any contributing risk factors. From there, we create a personalised care plan designed to support both your heart health and your overall wellbeing.
You’ll get advice on symptom management, follow-up appointments and any rehabilitation or monitoring you may need.
Living with heart failure
Being diagnosed with heart failure can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean life has to stop. With the right treatment plan and support, many people continue to live full and active lives.
We’ll work closely with you to find the best approach for your needs and will be here to guide you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about our personalised treatment plans, just get in touch to book a consultation.
Book a cardiology appointment today
If you’re living with heart failure or have symptoms you’re worried about, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. The earlier we can assess your heart, the more we can do to slow the condition and help you manage it.
At Expert Cardiologist, we offer fast access to personalised heart failure treatment and expert support from your first appointment onwards.
To speak with a specialist and take the next step in looking after your heart health, book a consultation with our team today.
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