Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrients being supplied to the body. It can be caused by several conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and previous heart attacks. Heart failure can be debilitating and, if left untreated, life-threatening. Dr. Merchant specializes in the comprehensive management of heart failure, providing treatments to improve quality of life and overall heart function.
Common Heart Failure Causes
- Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries reduces the blood supply to the heart and causes damage that leads to its failure.
- Hypertension: Prolonged exposure to high levels of blood pressure forces the heart to work over time, until it becomes unable to pump properly.
- Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle itself, which adversely affects its architecture and function.
- Heart Valvular Disorders: Faulty valves of the heart cause improper flow of blood to the heart.
- Previous Heart Attack: Scarring and damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack leave the heart unable to pump properly.
- Medication: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics all reduce symptoms and make the heart work better.
- Lifestyle Changes:Diet, exercise, stress reduction-all may help relieve symptoms and make the heart healthier.
- Implantable Devices:For example, pacemakers or defibrillators regulate heart rhythms and terminate fatal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias.
- Heart Transplant:In severe cases, a heart transplant may be the best option for patients who have reached end-stage heart failure.
The heart failure management program of Dr. Merchant, therefore, is concerned with care and ensuring that patients are treated with the most advanced treatments and therapies for them to lead the best possible lives. All has to be done at the extremes of treatments offered to patients, from medication and lifestyle changes to advanced devices and heart transplants.
