Heart Failure

Dr Mthiyane has a special interest in heart failure. He is a faculty member of the Heart Failure Society of South Africa (HeFSSA), which promotes research and collaboration on heart failure matters in South Africa and around the world.

Heart failure, otherwise known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood or fill as well as it should. Certain conditions cause arteries to narrow, or the heart becomes too weak or too stiff to pump blood sufficiently around the body to vital organs. Patients with heart failure may experience shortness of breath when exerting themselves or when they lie down, fatigue and weakness, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm. Conditions that cause heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity.

Heart failure requires a medical diagnosis. Diagnosis is achieved through lab tests or imaging tests. Heart failure is a chronic condition that can last for years or be lifelong. Treatment options depend on the severity.

Treatment Options:

  • Prescription medication - Medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, antihypertensive drugs, dietary supplements, blood pressure support tablets, and medications that help to open blood vessels.
  • Lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, limiting fluid intake, physical exercise, weight loss and quitting smoking.
  • A medical procedure that may help is cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). CRT is used to help improve the heart's rhythm and the symptoms associated with the irregular heartbeat. The procedure involves implanting a small pacemaker. Three wires connected to the device monitor the heart rate and detect irregularities. Tiny pulses of electricity are emitted to correct them.
  • Devices - an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is a small device placed in the chest or abdomen that shocks the heart if it develops a dangerously irregular heartbeat.
  • Surgery - Coronary artery bypass surgery.