Heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood for the body's needs. This can occur due to various underlying causes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a history of heart attack. When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, it can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, swelling in the legs or ankles, rapid or irregular heartbeat, coughing, and wheezing.

Types of heart failure:

There are two main types of heart failure:

• Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and cannot contract effectively to pump blood out of the heart. As a result, the heart may enlarge, and blood may flow back into the lungs.
• Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is stiff and cannot relax properly to allow blood to flow into the heart. In some cases, heart failure can also involve both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. This can lead to increased pressure in the heart, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body. Diastolic heart failure is more common in older adults and women.
• Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
• Right-sided heart failure: This type of heart failure occurs when the right side of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. This can cause fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and abdomen, leading to swelling and fatigue.

Heart failure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to prevent or reduce symptoms and complications. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medication to manage symptoms and improve heart function, and in severe cases, surgery or implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.

Diagnostic test:

• Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. This can help assess the size and function of the heart and identify any abnormalities, such as damaged heart, valve problems, or weakened heart muscle, by producing images of the valve chambers of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the heart's electrical activity. An ECG can help detect abnormal heart rhythms or other signs of heart damage.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help assess the heart's function and identify any underlying medical conditions by checking for the protein associated with heart damage that contributes to heart failure.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help assess the size and shape of the heart, as well as identify any fluid buildup in the lungs that may be indicative of heart failure.
• Cardiac MRI: A cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed heart images. This test can provide more detailed information about the size and function of the heart muscle and identify any areas of damage.
• Cardiac catheterization: This invasive test involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart. This test can help assess the heart's function and identify any blockages in the blood vessels that may cause heart failure.

Complications of heart failure:

Sacurise 50mg tablet is a medication used to treat heart failure. It contains two active ingredients, Sacubitril and Valsartan. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the enzyme neprilysin by sacubitril, which increases the levels of natriuretic peptides. Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, blocks the effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and improved heart function. The most common side effects of Sacurise 50mg tablets are fatigue, dizziness, hypotension, and increased blood potassium level.