Heart Failure Explained – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Heart Failure Explained
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working; rather, it indicates that the heart isn’t pumping as effectively as it should. This condition can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.
Illustration of the human heart.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, reducing its ability to pump blood. Over time, this can lead to symptoms that impact daily life.
Common Symptoms of a Heart Failure
- Shortness of Breath: Often worse with physical activity or lying down.
- Swelling (Edema): Especially in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Fatigue: A feeling of constant tiredness or weakness.
- Rapid Weight Gain: Caused by fluid buildup in the body.
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure can result from various conditions, including:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Attacks
Treatment Options
Treating heart failure typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
Healthy diet and an active lifestyle is important for your heart health.
How Monash Heart Private Can Help
Monash Heart Private offers a multidisciplinary approach to heart failure management, with access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Our team of cardiologists work closely with GPs to develop tailored plans that help patients manage heart failure symptoms and improve quality of life.
Medical examination of the heart.
Contact Monash Heart Private for Rapid Cardiac Care
Monash Heart Private provides fast, direct pathways for cardiac care, ensuring patients receive specialised attention without delay. With flexible referral options for both urgent and non-urgent cases, we streamline access to high-quality cardiac care in partnership with the Victorian Heart Hospital (VHH).
- Emergency Department Referrals: For urgent cases, GPs can refer patients directly to the VHH Cardiac Emergency Department, providing immediate, no-cost access to critical care. If further treatment is needed, patients are seamlessly transitioned to Monash Heart Private for private specialist follow-up and procedures.
- Direct Specialist Referrals: For non-emergency cases, GPs can refer patients directly to Monash Heart Private’s cardiologists, giving patients fast access to Australia’s top heart specialists in a state-of-the-art setting.
Visit our directory to find a specialist.
Private room with ensuite at Monash Heart Private
Additional Resources
For more information on heart health, here are a few trusted Australian resources:
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- Heart Foundation Australia: Provides comprehensive information on heart conditions, treatment options, and support resources for patients and families. Heart Foundation
- Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ): Offers guidelines and resources on cardiac procedures and treatments relevant to patients. CSANZ
- Australian Government Department of Health – Heart Disease: Contains information on heart disease prevention, treatments, and national health initiatives. Department of Health
- Beyond Blue – Mental Health Support for Chronic Illness: Provides mental health support and resources for individuals coping with chronic conditions like heart disease. Beyond Blue
