Cardiac failure definition is quite different in medical terms than what we the laymen have idea about it. Cardiac failure is that state of the heart where some problems impair its function to pump blood in sufficient amount and supply it to the whole body. Very often heart failure goes undiagnosed because there is no clearly stated and universally accepted one definition of it which results in challenges in a definitive diagnosis. The cases coming to the doctors all round the world dominate one fact that signifying one cause is very difficult due to differences in populace, problems in diagnosis and changes that can be ascribed to the age. Yet there are broadly two divisions of causes behind heart failure. First one being chronic heart failure and its main causes are Ischaemic heart disease where sufficient blood is not supplied to the heart muscles, chain smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, dilated cardiomyopathy, infected heart muscles or viral myocarditis, cardiomyopathy caused by HIV, drugs of chemotherapy, arrhythmias etc. Chronic heart failure treatment depends upon the cause behind the disorder. Second cause is acute decompensated heart failure.

Often heart fails in case of some incurrent illness like pneumonia, anemia or hyperthyroidism which put extra strains on heart which has already undergone a chronic stable heart failure. In this case, doctors supply oxygen to the ailing body organs to ensure that breathing, airway and circulations are maintained. Though there are several exceptions, contradictions and confusions, yet broadly it can be said that symptoms of cardiac failure are divided into left-sided and right-sided. Ironically right-sided failure occurs due to the left-sided failure making the diagnosis difficult because patient shows both the symptoms. Forward failure of the left side overlaps with the backward failure of the right-sided. The left-sided forward failure of the ventricle results in pulmonary vasculature congestion. Thus left-sided congestive cardiac failure symptoms are respiration generated. The most common of them are dyspnea of different magnitude when patient suffers from breath shortness in exertion or even in rest, gets fatigued easily, often dizziness as well as confusion. In extreme cases the patient is asked to sleep in sitting position because lying causes more shortness of breath.

Right-sided backward failure results in getting the systematic capillaries congested. Thus the right-sided congestive cardiac failure symptoms are fluid accumulation under the skin causing feet and ankle swelling, increased urination in nights, enlarged liver or jaundice. The cardiac failure is treated with the help of regular improved and disciplined way of life, medicines, surgery and/or device. Diet needs significant changes along with lessened intake of salt. Light exercises and regular walking are also recommended for the recovering heart patients. Prevention is better than cure so it is better to avoid the cardiac failure causing factors. Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, keep a close watch on weight gain or increased cholesterol etc. however, there are certain factors that are not under your control. So, make it a point to stay in close contact with a cardiologist once you celebrate your 40th birthday. Go for regular check-ups. But first and foremost, remember the actual cardiac failure definition and don’t confuse it with heart attack or cardiac arrest.

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