What is Systolic Heart Failure|Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Heart failure is a serious condition that makes it hard for your heart to pump blood. While there’s no cure, proper treatment can help people with heart failure live longer and feel better.

There are two main types of heart failure: diastolic and systolic. We already talked about diastolic heart failure in another blog. This blog will focus on systolic heart failure. We’ll explain what causes it, what it feels like, and how it’s treated.

Understanding Systolic Heart Failure

Systolic heart failure happens when the left side of your heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. Your heart has four chambers, and the left side is a major player in pumping blood out to your body.

When this side of your heart is weak, it can’t push blood out as forcefully as it should. This means less oxygen-rich blood reaches your body, which can cause problems.

There are two main types of systolic heart failure:

• Acute systolic heart failure: This happens suddenly and is often a medical emergency.
• Chronic systolic heart failure: This develops over time and is usually caused by other heart problems like high blood pressure or heart attacks.

What Causes Systolic Heart Failure?

Systolic heart failure happens when something damages the left side of your heart. Here are some common causes:

• High blood pressure: This forces your heart to work harder.
• Coronary artery disease: This is when cholesterol builds up in your heart’s arteries and can lead to heart attacks.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is when your heart’s main pumping chamber stretches and becomes weak.
• Irregular heartbeats: This can strain your heart.
• Heart attack: Damage from a heart attack can weaken your heart.

People who are older or have diabetes are also more likely to get systolic heart failure.

Symptoms of Systolic Heart Failure

When you have systolic heart failure, your heart doesn’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to your body. This can cause several problems.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath: This might happen when you’re active at first, but it can also happen when you’re resting or lying down.
• Swelling: Your feet, face, and belly might swell because of extra fluid.
• Bulging neck veins: These veins might look bigger and pulsing.
• Confusion: This can happen because your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen.
• Weight gain: Extra fluid can make you gain weight.
• Feeling tired: Your muscles aren’t getting enough blood to work properly.
• Pale or bluish skin: This happens when your body isn’t getting enough blood

Treatment of Systolic Heart Failure

If you have systolic heart failure, your doctor will create a plan to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. This plan often includes:

• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy choices like eating right and exercising can help.
• Medications: These drugs help your heart work better and reduce symptoms.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be needed to improve heart function.

Ending Note

Left untreated, systolic heart failure can cause serious damage to your body and even be fatal. It’s important to pay attention to warning signs like swollen feet, confusion, and bluish skin. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.

Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, a top-rated heart specialist at Healthy Living Heart and Vein, can help. He will diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan. Call (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment.