sz
1
1
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.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Over 8 million Indians
- Typical age
- 60+ years
- Outlook
- Manageable, progressive
- System
- Heart
Reviewed by a practising 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
See all cardiology doctors Top 4 doctors for Heart Failure
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
D
2
DP
3
DB
4
Related conditions
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.