Can a doctor address heart failure on Laso MD?

A comprehensive physical examination for heart failure typically requires an in-person visit to a clinic. However, on Laso MD, our doctors can facilitate prescription renewals as part of the overall treatment plan for heart failure.

If a doctor on Laso MD suspects that you may be dealing with heart failure, they may recommend additional lab testing, which would need to be conducted at a clinic. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a Laso MD doctor can assist you in managing heart failure.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly. Our physicians are able to renew prescriptions for heart failure medications online as part of your consultation. Upon accepting a prescription, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or opt to have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra cost.

 

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a type of heart disease characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.

Untreated underlying conditions usually contribute to congestive heart failure, leading to either acute or chronic forms of heart failure.

Heart failure is categorized into four stages:

Stage A – High risk of heart failure

Stage B – Diagnosed but without symptoms

Stage C – Diagnosed with treatable heart failure symptoms

Stage D – Diagnosed and experiencing symptoms that don’t improve with treatment

 

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

The prevalent symptoms of heart failure include:

• Weakness or fatigue
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Coughing, resulting from fluid backing up into the lungs due to heart failure
• Pink or white blood-tinged phlegm
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• Increased urination overnight
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
• Abdominal swelling
• Chest pain, potentially stemming from a heart attack
• Reduced alertness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inability to engage in physical exercise

These symptoms are indicative of heart failure, and it is crucial to consult with a doctor promptly.

Furthermore, immediate medical attention is warranted if you experience:

• Severe weakness or fainting
• Intense chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat accompanied by shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Sudden or severe shortness of breath, coupled with the coughing up of foamy and white or pink-colored mucus

 

What leads to heart failure?

Typically, heart failure is a consequence of untreated underlying conditions that weaken the heart and impair its ability to pump effectively.

These underlying conditions include:

• Coronary artery disease (narrowed arteries)
• Heart attack
• Myocarditis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Damaged or faulty heart valves
• Hypertension
• Heart arrhythmias
• Congenital heart defects
• Other diseases such as HIV, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or accumulations of iron or proteins

Moreover, factors like diet can significantly elevate the risk of heart failure.

 

What distinguishes cardiomyopathy from heart failure?

Cardiomyopathy, characterized by damage to the heart muscle, can result from various factors such as diseases, infections, exposure to chemotherapy-related chemicals, or the misuse of drugs or alcohol.

One of the symptoms of cardiomyopathy can be heart failure.

Therefore, the primary distinction between heart failure and cardiomyopathy is that cardiomyopathy can serve as a cause of heart failure, while heart failure cannot induce cardiomyopathy.

 

What distinguishes heart failure from congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure is simply an alternate term for heart failure.

These two designations refer to the same medical condition, and thus, there is no disparity between heart failure and congestive heart failure.

 

Is heart failure synonymous with a heart attack?

Heart attacks and heart failure both fall under the umbrella of heart disease. However, heart attacks manifest acutely, whereas congestive heart failure typically persists over an extended period. Furthermore, the underlying pathology can vary.

A heart attack can potentially lead to heart failure, especially in the advanced stages (C and D). Although they are distinct conditions, they can be closely interconnected.

 

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Diagnostic criteria for heart failure may vary depending on the individual patient.

The doctor initiates the diagnostic process with a thorough physical examination, comprehensive scrutiny of medical history, and discussions about current and past symptoms.

In conjunction with the physical exam, the doctor may recommend additional tests to establish a prognosis for heart failure.

Potential additional tests include:

• Echocardiogram
• Chest X-ray
• CT Scan
• MRI
• Stress tests
• Myocardial biopsy
• Coronary angiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Blood tests

In cases where heart failure is a potential concern, the doctor may also schedule regular blood pressure tests to monitor the strength of the heart.

 

Is heart failure a curable condition?

The curability of heart failure hinges on whether the underlying condition leading to congestive heart failure can be effectively treated.

In many instances, these underlying conditions may not be curable, but they can be managed to alleviate adverse symptoms and enhance the life expectancy of individuals experiencing congestive heart failure.

 

How is heart failure managed?

Given that heart failure is frequently a chronic condition, it typically necessitates ongoing management.

In certain cases, addressing the root cause of congestive heart failure may correct the condition (e.g., replacing a heart valve, managing an irregular rhythm, etc.).

However, when the underlying cause cannot be rectified, various medications may be prescribed, including:

• Inotropes
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Digoxin
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Many individuals coping with congestive heart failure may require surgical interventions or devices to optimize the heart’s pumping function. Some of these options encompass:

• Heart transplant
• Biventricular pacing
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
• Heart valve repair
• Heart valve replacement
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
• Coronary bypass surgery
• Ventricular assist devices (VADs)

By incorporating dietary modifications, adopting exercise routines, and following the prescribed heart failure treatments from the doctor, many patients can extend their life expectancy and mitigate the risk of sudden death from congestive heart failure.