Heart Failure

Heart failure can result in many symptoms such as lower limb swelling, breathlessness on lying flat, abdominal bloatedness and loss of appetite. More importantly, heart failure results in poorer quality of life, frequent hospitalisation and reduced survival.

However, many of these symptoms and limitations in activities can be treated with the right combination of evidence-based medications and the appropriate lifestyle adjustments.

At The Heart & Vascular Centre, we provide consultation and treatment for patients at all stages of heart failure. Heart failure therapy that we provide:

For the diagnosis of heart failure

1. Echocardiogram
   This is an ultrasound study of the heart. It evaluates the heart function as well as possible causes of heart failure such as valvular heart disease.
2. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
   This is a dedicated study of the heart and evaluates possible causes of heart failure, such as amyloidosis or sarcoidosis.
3. CT Coronary Angiography
   This is a non-invasive method for the detection of coronary artery disease in low risk patients.
4. Coronary Angiography
   This is a minimally invasive method used to detect coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure.
5. Cardiac Biopsy
   If the cause of heart failure is not clear, a biopsy of the heart muscle and assessment under the microscope can reveal the actual cause of the heart failure.

For the treatment of heart failure

1. Coronary Angioplasty
   Ballooning or stenting of blocked coronary arteries can aid in the recovery of heart function in heart failure patients.
2. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)
   In patients with severely weak heart function, an ICD is recommended for the prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death due to lethal arrhythmias.
3. Artificial Heart Pump (Left Ventricular Assist Device)
   In patients with severely weak heart function and who do not feel better despite medication, a Ventricular Assist Device can help improve symptoms and prolong survival. This involves an open-heart surgery and the implantation of a pump to “assist” the heart. After successful implantation of the Left Ventricular Assist Device, patients will then experience an improvement in exercise capacity and relieve from heart failure symptoms. This device is also able to prolong the life expectancy of a heart failure patient.
4. Home Dobutamine
   In patients with severely weak heart function and end stage heart failure but are unwilling or unsuitable for Ventricular Assist Device surgery, home dobutamine infusion can be a useful method for the palliation of heart failure symptoms so that the patient can be in the comfort of his/her home.