Monday, June 04, 2012

Heart failure

Table of Contents


Heart failure is a serious disorder. It is usually a chronic illness, which may get worse with infection or other physical stress.

Many forms of heart failure can be controlled with medication, lifestyle changes, and treatment of any underlying disorder.


Complications
  • Irregular heart rhythms (can be deadly)
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Total heart failure (circulatory collapse)

Possible side effects of medications include:

  • Cough
  • Digitalis toxicity
  • Gastrointestinal upset (such as nausea, heartburn, diarrhea)
  • Headache
  • Light-headedness and fainting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Lupus reaction
  • Muscle cramps

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if weakness, increased cough or sputum production, sudden weight gain or swelling, or other new or unexplained symptoms develop.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you experience severe crushing chest pain, fainting, or rapid and irregular heartbeat (particularly if other symptoms accompany a rapid and irregular heartbeat).


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Review Date: 06/22/2010
Reviewed By: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Director, Northwestern Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)