pic

Our Services / Heart Failure

Heart Failure

More than 6 million American adults have heart failure today. Although it’s a worrying diagnosis, heart failure is a very manageable condition when you have the help of the premier cardiologists at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center. If you’re having issues like decreased energy, shortness of breath, and edema, call any of the offices in Dearborn, Detroit, and Trenton, Michigan, and a diagnostic and imaging center in Trenton, to get help. Or click the provided link to make your appointment online now.


Heart Failure Q & A

What is heart failure?

Congestive heart failure, or heart failure, means your heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently. Untreated, heart failure can lead to severe health problems and even death. But, with early diagnosis and treatment at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center, you can greatly improve your quality of life and stay healthy. 

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Heart failure can cause symptoms including: 

  • Breathing difficulties during routine activities or when lying down
  • Decreased ability to exercise
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Irregular (often rapid) heartbeat
  • Edema: Ankle, leg, or abdominal swelling
  • Weight gain
  • Dry cough
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Chest pain

Heart failure may not cause major symptoms early on, but if you don’t take action early, it’s likely to cause increased symptoms and even put your health at risk. 

What causes heart failure?

Many different conditions can weaken and damage your heart, with some of the most common contributors including:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Myocarditis
  • Heart attack
  • Arrhythmias
  • Congenital heart defects

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, extra weight, and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the major risk factors that can greatly increase your risk of developing congestive heart failure, particularly when these conditions occur in multiples. 

How is heart failure treated?

Heart failure treatment depends on its root cause, how advanced the disease is, and other personal factors. Most people need to make lifestyle changes along with their medical treatment. You may need:

  • A reduced sodium diet
  • Less liquid intake
  • Increased regular exercise
  • Weight loss (if you struggle with maintaining a healthy weight) 

Many medications can help with heart failure, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta blockers. You may need different medications based on the cause of your heart failure.

If you have a heart attack or experience serious complications like a problem with your heart valves, you may need surgery. In most cases, however, heart failure treatment focuses primarily on lifestyle interventions and medication. 

Heart failure is a very serious threat to your health, which is why optimal treatment requires both lifestyle changes from you and help from the highly experienced team of experts at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center. With this powerful combo, you can prevent heart failure from progressing and enjoy a better quality of life. 

To learn more about how ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center can help you improve your health and avoid serious heart failure consequences, call your nearest office, or book your appointment online now.