Heart Failure

Gambaran keseluruhan

Heart failure is a long-term condition where the heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should. It does not mean the heart has stopped working. It means the heart needs some support to work better. When the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal, fluid can build up in the body, often in the lungs, legs, and ankles. With the right care and treatment, many people with heart failure live full and active lives.

Yes, heart failure is common, especially in older adults. Millions of people worldwide live with it every day.

It most often affects people over 60, but it can happen at any age. People with high blood pressure, heart attacks in the past, diabetes, or certain heart valve problems have a higher chance of developing it.

Gejala

Gejala biasa

• Feeling short of breath during activity or when lying flat
• Tiredness or weakness that makes daily tasks harder
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or tummy
• A cough that might bring up white or pink frothy spit
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden weight gain from fluid build-up
• Feeling less hungry or full quickly when eating

Gejala pada kanak-kanak

• Trouble feeding or gaining weight in babies
• Breathing quickly or working hard to breathe
• Getting tired very easily while playing
• Swelling in the face, feet, or legs

Gejala pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua

• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
• Falls or dizziness
• Less typical chest discomfort — sometimes just extreme fatigue
• Worsening of other health conditions such as kidney problems

Punca

Punca utama

• Coronary artery disease (narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle)
• A past heart attack that has damaged the heart muscle
• High blood pressure that has strained the heart over many years
• Problems with the heart valves that control blood flow
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle itself)
• Infections that can hurt the heart muscle, such as some viruses
• Being born with a heart problem (congenital heart disease)

Faktor risiko

• Getting older, especially over 65
• Having high blood pressure for a long time
• Having diabetes
• Being very overweight
• Smoking or using tobacco
• Drinking too much alcohol over a long period
• A family history of heart failure or heart disease
• Not being active enough
• Sleep apnoea (a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep)

Bila perlu berjumpa doktor

Jumpa doktor dengan segera jika:

• You suddenly gain weight quickly or notice new or worsening swelling.
• Your breathlessness gets worse, even at rest.
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded and it does not go away.
• You have a cough that starts suddenly and is persistent.

Buat temujanji rutin jika:

• You notice gradual weight gain over a week or two.
• You feel more tired than usual but can still manage daily activities.
• Your ankles swell a little by evening but go down by morning.
• You want to talk about your symptoms or how you are feeling.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your heart and lungs, and check for swelling. They will then arrange tests to see how well your heart is pumping and to find any possible causes. The main test is usually an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart). This is painless and shows the heart's size, shape, and pumping strength.

Ujian yang mungkin dilakukan

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) — to measure how much blood the heart pumps out
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) — a quick, painless trace that records the heart's electrical activity
• Chest X-ray — to see if the heart is enlarged or if there is fluid in the lungs
• Blood tests — to check for signs of heart strain or other conditions like anaemia or thyroid problems
• Breathing tests — to see if the breathlessness could be from a lung condition

Apa yang diharapkan semasa temujanji anda

These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital as an outpatient. They are not painful. You might need to lie still for a short time. Your doctor will explain the results and what they mean for you. Sometimes more specialised tests like an MRI or a heart catheterisation are needed, but this is not the first step.

Rawatan

For most people, heart failure is a condition that can be managed well for many years. Treatment aims to ease symptoms, help the heart pump better, and keep you out of hospital. It almost always includes a mix of healthy habits and medicines. In some cases, devices like a pacemaker or surgery can help. You and your healthcare team will decide on the best plan for you.

Penjagaan diri di rumah

• Weigh yourself at the same time every day, ideally in the morning after using the toilet. Write it down and let your nurse know if it goes up quickly.
• Take note of new or worsening swelling in your feet, ankles, or tummy.
• Spread activity throughout the day — short rests are helpful.
• Keep other conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, well controlled.
• Learn to recognise your own warning signs so you can act early.

Rawatan perubatan

There are several types of medicines that help the heart work more efficiently. Some lower the pressure your heart has to pump against, others help the heart muscle relax and squeeze better, and some remove extra fluid from the body so you can breathe more easily. Your doctor will talk to you about which medicines are right for you and how to take them safely. Always tell your doctor about any side effects. In certain cases, a small device like a pacemaker or a special implantable defibrillator may be recommended to help the heart's rhythm and protect against dangerous rhythms.

Bila pembedahan dipertimbangkan?

For a small number of people, surgery can fix a specific problem that leads to heart failure — for example, a faulty heart valve, blocked coronary arteries, or a damaged heart muscle that might benefit from a heart transplant. This is not right for everyone, and the decision is made very carefully by a team of specialists.

Hidup dengan keadaan ini

Heart failure is a companion you can learn to live well with. It helps to plan your day around your energy levels. Do the most important tasks when you feel strongest. Keep a fluid balance, and do not skip your daily weight check. It is normal to have better days and some harder ones. Over time, you will learn what is normal for you and what is a sign to call for help.

Tip gaya hidup

• Take all medicines as prescribed, even on days you feel well.
• Keep a daily weight diary and share it with your heart failure nurse.
• Be careful with salt — cooking with less salt and choosing fresh foods can help.
• Limit how much fluid you drink if your team advises it.
• Stay up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines — infections can strain the heart.
• Manage stress with relaxation, gentle breathing, or activities you enjoy.

Diet dan senaman

A heart-friendly diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Many people are advised to limit salt to around a teaspoon a day (about 6 grams) — ask your doctor or dietitian for your personal target. Light, regular movement like walking or chair-based exercises can strengthen your muscles and breathing. Always check with your doctor or heart failure team before starting new physical activity. They can guide what is safe.

Kesihatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosi

Living with a long-term condition can feel heavy. It is very common to feel anxious, low, or frustrated. These feelings matter as much as physical symptoms. If you feel down more often than not, talk to someone you trust — your doctor, nurse, or a friend. Support is available, and you do not have to go through it alone. If you are in deep distress or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a crisis support line right away (like Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, or your local crisis number).

Pencegahan

You can lower your risk of developing heart failure significantly by keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. This is done through the same habits that prevent heart disease: not smoking, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and treating high blood pressure and diabetes early.

Vaksin

Staying current with recommended vaccines, such as the yearly flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine, helps prevent infections that could worsen heart failure or trigger a sudden worsening.

Program saringan

If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, regular check-ups with your doctor are important. Early diagnosis of these conditions can protect your heart before heart failure develops.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak dirawat

• Fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) making it very hard to breathe
• Irregular heart rhythms that can be dangerous
• Strain on the kidneys, which can reduce their function over time
• Liver damage from fluid congestion
• Weight loss and muscle wasting in advanced stages

Pandangan jangka panjang

The outlook for heart failure has improved greatly in recent years. With today's treatments and careful self-care, many people enjoy years of good quality of life. Every person is different, and your care team will give you a picture of what to expect. Focus on what you can control: taking your medicines, watching for symptoms, and staying connected with your team. There is always hope, and there is always something that can be done to help you feel better.

Cari sokongan

Organisasi antarabangsa

• World Heart Federation ↗

Organisasi tempatan

• British Heart Foundation ↗ · UK
• NHS Heart Failure Information ↗ · UK

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