The heart is one of the most significant organs in the human body. Omission of this organ can lead to life-threatening conditions or, worse, death. Unfortunately, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, the prevalence of heart failure in India is estimated to be between 1.3 million and 22.7 million. The condition occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Such conditions often require a surgical approach to fix them. But what causes this malfunction? In this blog, we will understand the potential causes of heart failure and the role of surgery, and learn about one of the best cardiac surgeon in India, Dr. Sujay Shad! Let’s delve further. 

What is Heart Failure (HF)?

Heart failure is typically caused by the heart's insufficiency to pump blood to the rest of the body. This results in hypoxia (a condition where cells, tissues, and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen). The condition is also known as congestive heart failure (CHF). 

Potential Causes of Heart Failure

The potential causes of heart failure surgery are as follows: 

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): 

• Most common cause of HF. 

• CAD occurs when the arteries become too narrow due to blockage or plaque buildup.

• This leads to muscle damage and eventually heart failure. 

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 

• Hypertension is one of the leading causes of both left-sided and right-sided heart failure.

• Hypertension makes the heart work harder to pump blood. 

• Over time, it causes heart muscles to become stiff or weakened, eventually leading to heart failure. 

3. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): 

• Occurs when blood flow to one part of the heart is blocked. 

• Causes damage to the heart tissues. 

• Damaged heart muscle becomes weak 

• The ability to pump blood is reduced, eventually leading to heart failure. 

• Even after surviving a heart attack, patients may experience long-term effects on heart function.

4. Valvular Heart Disease: 

• Causes due to narrowing of the valve, resulting in leaking of blood. 

• This weakens heart muscles and eventually leads to heart failure. 

5. Cardiomyopathy: 

• The disease affects heart muscles, causing the heart's chambers to become enlarged or weakened. 

• If the heart chambers become enlarged, then it is called dilated cardiomyopathy.

• If the heart chambers weaken, then it is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  

6. Arrhythmias:

• The disease prevents the heart from beating effectively, causing abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). 

• The condition causes the pooling of blood in the heart and lungs, eventually leading to heart failure. 

7. Diabetes: 

• When diabetes is not controlled, it damages blood vessels and the heart muscle. 

• It causes hardening of arteries, reducing blood flow. 

• This eventually leads to heart failure. 

When is surgery required for heart failure?

While surgery is not always necessary for heart failure, in some cases surgical intervention becomes the only option. Surgical interventions improve the normal functioning of the heart, preventing further damage and managing signs and symptoms of heart issues. Examples of such surgical interventions are as follows:  

• Heart Valve Surgery

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

• Heart Transplantation 

• Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

• Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Get expert consultation for heart failure surgery in Delhi from the best cardiac specialist, Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital!

Heart failure is a serious and life-threatening condition caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and valve dysfunction. These conditions require surgical interventions to restore normal heart function, prevent further complications, or improve symptoms. If you are seeking expert consultation for heart failure surgery in Delhi, you can consult with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today!