Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as well as it should, which means blood does not get properly circulated throughout the body and cells do not receive the oxygen they need to function properly. Dr. Alireza Nazeri, the highly skilled Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Mobitz Heart and Rhythm Center in Houston, TX, diagnoses and treats heart failure.

Symptoms of Heart Failure 

Heart failure does not mean the heart stops working completely. It just means the heart is no longer working as well as it is should, which can result in several symptoms and side effects. Symptoms associated with heart failure include:

• High heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing and wheezing 
• Feeling lightheaded
• Fatigue

Heart Failure Risk Factors & Causes 

When heart failure occurs, the heart cannot keep up with the workload of pumping blood throughout the body. This can happen if the chamber walls of the heart are either too thin or too thick. When the heart’s chamber walls are too thin, they might not be strong enough to pump enough blood to properly circulate throughout the body. If the chamber walls are tooth thick, it is difficult for them to fill up with enough blood to supply the entire body. 

Two main risk factors for developing heart failure are getting older and having an existing cardiovascular condition. The risk of developing heart failure increases with age and is most common among individuals age 65 years or older. Additionally, heart failure often develops as a result of another heart condition, such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. It is also more likely to occur when there is a history of a previous heart attack. 

Heart Failure Diagnosis & Treatment

Individuals experiencing symptoms of heart failure should see a cardiologist for testing. At our medical center in Houston, TX, heart failure can be diagnosed using a variety of methods, including diagnostic imaging, a stress test, cardiac catheterization, and electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiography. 

Several treatment options are available for patients who are diagnosed with heart failure. Treatments can include lifestyle changes, medications and ongoing medical monitoring and care. In more serious cases of heart failure, surgery might be needed. Our experienced cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist can discuss specific treatment options and help you adopt a heart healthy lifestyle to help you manage the condition and its symptoms.

Heart failure can develop with age and is often caused by other existing heart conditions. Our skilled and caring cardiology team can make individualized recommendations to help you reduce your risk for developing heart failure. For diagnosis or treatment of heart failure in Houston, TX, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nazeri by calling Mobitz Heart and Rhythm Center at (713) 909-3166.