At Cross County Cardiology, your heart health is our top priority. Today, we’re talking about heart failure—a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of Americans.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working. It means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. When this happens, your body doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to serious health problems.
There are two main types:
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): The heart muscle becomes weak and can’t pump blood properly.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): The heart is stiff and can’t fill with enough blood between beats.
Common Signs of Heart Failure
You might not notice symptoms right away. But over time, signs can include:
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Feeling tired or weak
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Shortness of breath, especially during activity or at night
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Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or belly
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Rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
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Coughing or wheezing that doesn’t go away
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure usually develops after other heart problems have damaged or weakened your heart. The most common causes include:
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Coronary artery disease
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Heart valve problems
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Past heart attacks
How Is It Diagnosed?
At Cross County Cardiology, we use advanced tools to diagnose heart failure, including:
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Echocardiograms
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Electrocardiograms (EKG)
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Blood tests
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Cardiac imaging
These tests help us understand how your heart is working and what type of treatment will help you feel better.
How We Treat Heart Failure
We create personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and test results. Treatment may include:
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Lifestyle changes (like eating less salt and getting regular exercise)
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Medications to help the heart pump better and reduce fluid buildup
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Monitoring devices and, in some cases, surgery or specialized procedures
We also focus on preventing hospital visits by managing your condition closely and helping you understand how to care for your heart at home.
How You Can Take Action
The earlier heart failure is caught, the better your chances of managing it. Don’t ignore symptoms. If you have risk factors—like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart problems—it’s time to take charge of your heart health.
Cross County Cardiology is here to help you stay strong, informed, and supported every step of the way.
