The term heart failure might sound alarming — and rightly so — but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it indicates that the heart isn’t pumping blood as effectively as it should. This chronic condition can greatly impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated, but with the right care, patients can still live full and active lives.

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we help patients navigate the complexities of heart failure with early diagnosis, compassionate treatment, and ongoing support.

🫀 What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood efficiently. As a result, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. This condition can affect one or both sides of the heart and is often a result of other underlying heart problems, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure.

There are two main types:

• Left-sided heart failure – affects the heart’s ability to pump blood out to the body.
• Right-sided heart failure – leads to fluid backing up into the abdomen, legs, and liver.

🚨 Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. It’s important to recognize them early so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Common signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Reduced ability to exercise or perform physical tasks

These symptoms result from the heart’s inability to circulate blood efficiently, causing fluid build-up and poor oxygen delivery to tissues.

⚠️ What Causes Heart Failure?

Heart failure is often the result of other cardiovascular conditions that have weakened or damaged the heart over time. Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Previous heart attacks
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

Certain lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or poor diet, can also contribute to the development of this condition.

🧪 How We Diagnose Heart Failure

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing heart failure, using advanced diagnostic techniques such as:

• Echocardiogram to evaluate the structure and function of the heart
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect abnormal heart rhythms
• Chest X-ray to check for fluid in the lungs
• Blood tests including BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels
• Stress testing and cardiac MRI when needed

These tools help us determine the type and severity of heart failure, so we can build a treatment plan around your individual needs.

💊 Managing and Treating Heart Failure

While heart failure is a long-term condition, modern treatment options can dramatically improve quality of life. Our approach combines evidence-based medicine with personalized care.

1. Medications

• ACE inhibitors and ARBs to reduce strain on the heart
• Beta-blockers to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure
• Diuretics to relieve fluid retention
• Aldosterone antagonists and other heart-strengthening drugs

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• A low-sodium, heart-healthy diet
• Regular but moderate physical activity
• Weight management
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Monitoring fluid intake and body weight

3. Advanced Therapies

In more severe cases, we may recommend:

• Intravenous (IV) medications for acute symptom relief
• Implantable devices like defibrillators or pacemakers
• Referral for specialized heart failure programs

Every case is different, and we work closely with each patient to find the most effective path forward.

❤️ Let Us Help You Breathe Easier

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we understand how overwhelming a heart failure diagnosis can feel. But with the right care, education, and ongoing support, living with heart failure is entirely manageable. We’re here to guide you every step of the way — from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

If you're experiencing symptoms or have a history of heart conditions, don't wait. Schedule a visit and take the first step toward regaining control of your heart health.

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