Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen. To compensate, the heart enlarges, develops more muscle mass and pumps faster. The body also tries to make up for heart failure by narrowing blood vessels to keep blood pressure up. It diverts blood away from the less important tissues and organs to maintain flow to the heart and brain.

Affecting the right, left or both sides of your heart, heart failure is a common complication of a heart attack and other heart conditions. Additional risk factors for heart failure include diabetes, obesity, smoking, a family history of heart disease and being age 65 or older.

The key to preventing heart failure is lowering your risk. Not sure where to start? See a cardiologist at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center. We provide advanced, complete care for heart failure.

If you are concerned about your heart, talk to your primary care provider about a heart screening. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 533-7476 to make an appointment.

How to spot heart failure symptoms

The symptoms of heart failure develop slowly, and you may not even notice them at first. As heart failure progresses, your symptoms may become severe and include:

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath, which can occur even at rest and when lying down
• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• Unexplained weight gain
• Weakness

Call 911 if you experience chest pain, congested cough, more shortness of breath than normal or difficulty breathing.

Excellent heart failure treatment

At Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, we provide personalized treatment for heart failure to manage underlying diseases, minimize risk factors and improve symptoms. Our fellowship trained experts may recommend medication, supplemental oxygen, Rehabilitation Therapy and lifestyle changes.

You’ll find a partner in your health when you come to our Heart & Vascular center. We offer a variety of programs to encourage you in your journey toward a healthier heart, including smoking cessation and weight loss.

About 5.7 million Americans have heart failure. Treatment can ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Find the right treatment for you with the help of our caring, experienced providers.