WHEN THE HEART CANNOT PUMP EFFICIENTLY
Heart Failure
A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing breathlessness, leg swelling and fatigue. Modern combination therapy significantly improves symptoms and life expectancy.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Heart Failure
Heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. It can result from coronary artery disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy and several other conditions. Typical symptoms include breathlessness on exertion or lying flat, leg and ankle swelling, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, palpitations and waking at night short of breath. Diagnosis involves ECG, echocardiography, blood tests including natriuretic peptides and additional cardiac imaging as needed. Modern heart failure care is highly effective and includes combination medical therapy that improves symptoms, reduces hospitalisations and prolongs life, alongside lifestyle modification, fluid and salt management, cardiac rehabilitation and device therapy in selected patients. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive medical management of heart failure at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease and previous heart attacks
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy of various causes
- Heart valve disease
- Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Excessive alcohol intake and certain drugs
- Severe anaemia, thyroid disorders or congenital heart disease
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
ECG, echocardiography, blood tests including natriuretic peptides
Reduced ejection fraction · Preserved ejection fraction
Combination medical therapy, lifestyle change, device therapy in selected cases
Daily weight, symptoms and regular clinic review
Significantly improved with modern combination therapy
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Modern Combination Heart-Failure Therapy
The most effective approach combines structured medical therapy with diuretics, multiple disease-modifying medications, newer heart-failure therapies and device therapy in selected patients — alongside lifestyle change, salt and fluid management and cardiac rehabilitation.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms and risk factors, examines for fluid overload and orders ECG, echocardiography and blood tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on heart function, symptoms, kidney function and other comorbidities.
- 3
Medical Management
Combination heart-failure medical therapy, diuretics, BP and rhythm control, with cardiology referral for device therapy where indicated.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular follow-up with symptom review, weight, BP and blood tests, and adjustments to maintain optimal control.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Diuretic Therapy
Diuretic medication helps remove excess fluid and relieves breathlessness and swelling.
Standard Heart-Failure Medical Therapy
Foundation medical therapy improves symptoms, reduces hospital admissions and prolongs life.
Heart-Rate-Lowering Medical Therapy
Medication that slows the heart rate improves heart efficiency and long-term outcomes.
Newer Heart-Failure Medical Therapy in Select Patients
Newer classes of medical therapy provide additional benefit on top of standard treatment in selected patients.
Device Therapy in Select Cases (Referral for cardiology / electrophysiology)
Selected patients benefit from implanted devices for rhythm support or to reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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