¡Alerta! Corazón grande y débil | Dr. William Guerrero

In this video, I'll talk about: Alert! Large and Weak Heart Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should; this causes inadequate blood flow to vital organs like the kidneys and congestion (fluid buildup) in other vital organs like the lungs. The term "heart failure" is misleading because the heart doesn't completely fail or stop beating. In some cases, heart failure can be mild, causing minor symptoms that are only noticeable with physical activity. Other times, it can be severe (causing symptoms at rest) or even life-threatening. CAUSES OF HEART FAILURE Heart failure is caused by a disease or condition that damages the heart. Fortunately, treating these conditions during the early stages can often prevent or slow the development of heart failure. The most common causes of heart failure include: High blood pressure: In people with high blood pressure (also called hypertension), the heart must work harder to pump blood. Over time, this increased workload can reduce the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood. Coronary artery disease: In people with coronary artery disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged with fatty deposits (plaques), reducing blood flow. As a result, parts of the heart muscle are deprived of oxygen (especially during exercise, when the body needs more oxygen), and the heart cannot function as well. Coronary artery disease can also lead to a heart attack (also called a myocardial infarction) if an artery becomes completely blocked; this causes permanent damage to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease can lead to heart failure when it impairs heart function. Cardiomyopathy: This occurs when the heart muscle does not pump or relax normally, but the cause is not high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Cardiomyopathy can be related to several medical conditions, including certain autoimmune disorders, a genetic mutation, a buildup of abnormal proteins in the body, or an infection; however, the cause is often unknown. Heart valve disease: Several conditions can damage the heart valves (which normally keep blood flowing through the heart at the proper pressure and in the right direction): ●The valve may narrow ("stenosis"), which interferes with blood flow through the valve and increases pressure on the heart. ●In other cases, the valve may leak, causing blood to flow backward ("regurgitation"). Sometimes, both happen, and a valve narrows and leaks. SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE As the amount of blood pumped by the heart ("cardiac output") decreases, a variety of symptoms may develop, including: ●Shortness of breath, which may require you to reduce your normal activities and/or sleep with multiple pillows to elevate your head. ●Feeling tired or fatigued quickly. Weakness, particularly in the legs, upon exercise. Lightheadedness or dizziness. A rapid heart rate, even at rest. Swelling in the lower legs and feet (edema) or abdomen (ascites). (See "Patient Education: Edema (Swelling) (Beyond the Basics)".) Unintentional weight loss (in severe heart failure). HEART FAILURE TREATMENT In most people, heart failure is a chronic (long-term) condition. While there are treatments that can help with symptoms and slow the progression of heart failure, in most cases it is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment. Treatment usually includes a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes a device to protect your heart from abnormal rhythms. Diet and Lifestyle: Diet and lifestyle changes are often recommended to treat heart failure. Common recommendations include: ●Weigh yourself daily ●Reduce salt and water intake ●Maintain a healthy weight ●Avoid smoking ●Limit alcohol ●Regular exercise