Heart failure affects more than 26 million people worldwide. And it is even more shocking to know that according to estimates, number of people getting affected by heart failure will increase in the coming decade.

What is heart failure?


Heart failure is a severe problem. It is caused by coronary artery disorder. The disorder narrows the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. When the heart is unable to pump blood as efficiently as it should, it is then that a heart failure happens. It is a chronic condition and happens over a course of time.

Our bodily functions depend on the ability of our heart to pump oxygen and blood to the cells for nourishing them. Any disruption in the blood and oxygen flow can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness and lead to more fatal conditions.

What increases your risk of heart failure? Can it be cured?


Various lifestyle conditions like diabetes and heart attack can increase one’s risk of getting heart failure. High blood pressure, congenital heart disease, thyroid are some other conditions that can contribute to heart failure. Misuse of certain drugs, alcohol and chemotherapy can also make one vulnerable to the disease.

Heart failure cannot be cured but can be managed to depend upon the stage of the disease. According to the New York Heart Association Classification, heart failure can be divided into four categories and once you have reached the next stage, it cannot be reversed.

The treatment and management of heart failure include lifestyle changes, medication, heart surgery, device implantation or a transplant, depending on the condition of the patient.

Treatment for advanced stages of heart failure


When medication, lifestyle changes or surgery may not be possible, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a safe option for the management of the condition.

LVAD helps the weakened ventricle to pump the blood efficiently. It is battery operated and is surgically implanted. The process is safe, easy and feasible.