MediConsult
Book
Home Health Library Heart Failure
Serious severity · Cardiology

Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure · Pumping weakness

The heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Fluid backs up into the lungs and legs. Modern drugs let many patients live well for years.

Find a Cardiology doctor
At a glance
Prevalence
Over 8 million Indians
Typical age
60+ years
Outlook
Manageable, progressive
System
Heart
Reviewed by a verified Cardiology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Long-standing hypertension
  • Previous heart attacks
  • Diabetes & obesity
  • Valve disease or arrhythmia
  • Excess alcohol over decades
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Breathlessness, worse lying flat
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Sudden weight gain from fluid
  • Persistent dry cough at night
  • Fatigue with everyday tasks
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • ACE inhibitors, ARNi, beta-blockers, SGLT2
  • Daily diuretics for fluid
  • Salt and fluid restriction
  • Cardiac resynchronization device if indicated
  • Heart transplant in advanced cases
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Treat blood pressure aggressively
  • Manage diabetes and cholesterol
  • Stay physically active under guidance
  • Avoid heavy alcohol
  • Yearly flu and pneumonia vaccines

Do’s

  • Weigh yourself daily, same time
  • Track ankle swelling
  • Keep salt under 2 g/day
  • Take diuretic in the morning

Don’ts

  • Skip a diuretic dose
  • Drink more than 1.5 L fluid/day
  • Eat pickles, papad, processed food
  • Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Heart Failure

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

See all cardiology doctors
RA 1

Dr. Rangholiya Ankur

MD Medicine · 11 yrs

0 (0)
Sarthi hospital · 3 rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹5000
View Book
RS 2

Dr. Roshani Savaliya

MD Medicine · 7 yrs

0 (0)
new civil hospital surat · athwagate
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
View Book
BS 3

Dr. Bhargav Sagar

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
P P Savani Hospital · Surat
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
View Book
PP 4

Dr. Piyush Patoliya

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
Vaghani Hospital and Prasutigruh · 4th Floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
View Book
Related conditions
Heart Attack
Myocardial infarction · Blocked coronary artery
Hypertension
High blood pressure · The silent killer
Arrhythmia
Irregular heartbeat · Skipped or racing beats
Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.