Congestive Heart Failure Specialist in Michigan
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, with heart failure being one of the most prevalent conditions. Congestive heart failure is a complex condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. In Michigan, CardioQ – Heart & Wellness Center is a specialized medical center that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of congestive heart failure.
At CardioQ, patients can expect to receive comprehensive care from a team of experienced and dedicated specialists. The center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, including echocardiography and stress testing, to accurately identify the underlying cause of heart failure. Based on the results of these tests, the team creates personalized treatment plans that may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, or advanced procedures such as implantable devices.
The congestive heart failure specialists at CardioQ are committed to providing compassionate care to their patients and helping them achieve the best possible outcomes. They work closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure coordinated and integrated care. By combining their expertise and cutting-edge technology, CardioQ is at the forefront of the fight against heart failure in Michigan.
Congestive Heart Failure
The term “heart failure” can be frightening. It doesn’t mean the heart has “failed” or stopped working. It means the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should.
More than 6 million people in the United States have congestive heart failure. About 550,000 new cases of heart failure occur each year. It’s the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65.
Though a serious health condition, you can live a healthy and productive life with congestive heart failure. If you have heart failure, you’ll enjoy better health and quality of life if you take care of yourself and keep yourself in balance. It’s important to learn about heart failure, how to keep in good balance, and when to call the doctor.
Signs & Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity or while lying down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Nausea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
Tests & Diagnosis
Here are some common tests and procedures used to diagnose heart failure:
Blood tests: Blood tests can help assess kidney and liver function and measure levels of certain hormones that indicate heart failure.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help identify whether there is any fluid buildup in the lungs.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms and evidence of a previous heart attack.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, which can show whether the heart is enlarged, the heart valves are working correctly, and the heart muscle is weak or damaged.
Stress tests: Stress tests can help determine how well the heart functions under exertion.
Cardiac catheterization: A cardiac catheterization involves inserting a thin tube through a blood vessel in the arm or leg to the heart to measure pressure and look for blockages.
MRI or CT scans: These imaging tests can create detailed images of the heart to detect abnormalities and assess blood flow.
BNP test: A BNP test measures the level of a hormone called B-type natriuretic peptide in the blood, which can indicate heart failure.
Common questions
Heart failure can be caused by several conditions, including:
- Past heart attacks from coronary heart disease – this can lead to scarring in the heart muscle and is the most common cause for heart failure.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – the high pressure in the arteries means that the heart must keep pumping more forcefully. It may not be able to keep it up.
- Heart valve disease – damaged heart valves may allow the blood to flow backwards or may obstruct forward flow.
- Congenital heart disease – heart abnormalities may be present from birth, such as defective valves or abnormal communications between heart chambers.
- Idiopathic cardiomyopathy – this condition is characterised by enlargement of the heart muscle, where the left ventricle enlarges to compensate for poor contraction.
- Myocarditis – viruses or other infections may damage the heart muscle
- Heart arrhythmia – rapid heartbeat with irregularity, over a long period of time, can also lead to inefficient contraction and heart failure.
- Thyroid disease – the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormone, thyroxine. This increases the work of the heart and can lead to heart failure.
- Toxic damage – alcohol and drugs
- Infiltration – amyloid, sarcoid, too much iron.
- Metabolic – diabetes, growth hormone.
- Nutritional abnormalities – deficiencies (thiamine, selenium or iron), obesity.
The heart failure specialists at CardioQ – Heart & Wellness Center conduct comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office for a congestive heart failure evaluation.
During your exam, your cardiologist asks in-depth questions about your symptoms, medical and family history, and lifestyle habits, and then performs a physical.
Based on the information gathered during your evaluation, your cardiologist may recommend additional diagnostic tests to assess heart health and function, such as bloodwork, an echocardiogram, a stress test, or cardiac catheterization.
The Congestive Heart Failure Specialist at CardioQ – Heart & Wellness Center develops personalized treatment plans for congestive heart failure based on the severity of your cardiac condition.
Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan may help you maintain your usual active lifestyle.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Management of the underlying cause of your heart failure.
- Lifestyle modifications.
- Medication to manage symptoms.
They schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and cardiac function. If your congestive heart failure worsens, they may recommend the placement of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.