Heart Failure Care

Heart failure care focuses on understanding why the heart is not pumping or filling effectively, managing symptoms, reducing the risk of complications and supporting long-term cardiovascular health. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working. It is a condition in which the heart cannot meet the body's needs as effectively as it should.

People living with heart failure may experience shortness of breath, persistent tiredness, swelling in the legs or ankles, reduced exercise tolerance or difficulty carrying out everyday activities. Symptoms can develop gradually or become worse over time, which is why timely medical assessment and regular follow-up are important.

At Siris Healthcare, patients can explore information about heart failure treatment, cardiology consultation, cardiac diagnosis and cardiac rehabilitation and connect with appropriate healthcare providers based on their individual needs.

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump or fill with blood efficiently. It can develop because of several underlying heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Heart failure can affect people differently. Some patients may have reduced pumping function, while others may have symptoms despite a relatively preserved pumping function. The underlying cause, severity, other medical conditions and diagnostic findings all influence the appropriate treatment approach.

For broader information about cardiovascular conditions, explore our Cardiology and Heart Care services.

Common Heart Failure Symptoms

Recognising changes in your health can help you seek medical advice at the right time. Common heart failure symptoms may include:

• Breathlessness during physical activity or, in some cases, at rest
• Persistent tiredness or weakness
• Swelling of the ankles, feet or legs
• Reduced ability to exercise or perform routine activities
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath when lying down
• Unexplained changes in weight related to fluid retention
• A feeling of reduced stamina compared with usual activities

These symptoms can also occur with other medical conditions. A proper clinical evaluation is therefore important rather than relying on symptoms alone.

If you develop sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or other potentially serious symptoms, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Causes and Risk Factors for Heart Failure

Heart failure can have different causes, and identifying the underlying problem is an important part of treatment planning.

Common conditions associated with heart failure include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Previous heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Certain heart rhythm disorders
• Some congenital or structural heart conditions
• Other conditions that can affect the heart muscle

Long-term management of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and excess weight may also form part of a broader heart-health strategy.

Patients interested in preventive assessment can explore our Cardiovascular Health Screening service.

Heart Failure Diagnosis

A heart failure diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, symptoms, physical examination and appropriate investigations. There is no single test that confirms every type of heart failure.

Depending on the patient's condition, a cardiologist may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Blood tests
• Chest imaging when clinically appropriate
• Holter or other heart-rhythm monitoring
• Exercise or stress testing in selected cases
• Cardiac CT or MRI when additional information is required

An echocardiogram can provide important information about the heart's structure, valves and pumping function. ECG and rhythm monitoring can help identify electrical or rhythm-related problems that may contribute to symptoms.

Learn more about Cardiac Diagnostics and Heart Tests, including ECG, echocardiography, TMT and Holter monitoring.

Heart Failure Treatment

There is no single treatment plan that is suitable for every patient. Heart failure treatment depends on the underlying cause, type of heart failure, symptoms, heart function, other medical conditions and the results of clinical investigations.

Treatment may include:

• Prescription medicines
• Management of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors
• Treatment of the underlying heart condition
• Dietary and lifestyle guidance
• Monitoring of symptoms and fluid status
• Regular cardiology follow-up
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Device-based treatment for selected patients
• Procedures or surgery when clinically appropriate

Medicines should be taken only as prescribed. Patients should not stop, increase or reduce cardiac medication without discussing the change with their healthcare professional.

For patients with coronary artery disease, related treatment options may include medical management, angiography, angioplasty or cardiac surgery when clinically indicated. Explore our Cardiac Sciences section for information about cardiovascular treatments and procedures.

Advanced Heart Failure Management

Some patients require closer monitoring or more specialised care because of advanced or persistent symptoms. Advanced heart failure management may involve coordinated care between cardiologists and other healthcare professionals, depending on the patient's condition.

The focus may include controlling symptoms, reviewing medicines, assessing heart function, addressing contributing conditions and determining whether additional treatment or specialist referral is appropriate.

Siris Healthcare also provides information about Heart Failure Management & Cardiac Rehabilitation, which covers structured cardiac care, lifestyle guidance, monitored physical activity and ongoing medical support. SIRIS Healthcare

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Heart Failure

Cardiac rehabilitation can be an important part of long-term care for selected people with heart failure or reduced cardiac function.

A rehabilitation programme may include medically guided physical activity, lifestyle education, risk-factor management and ongoing support. The type and intensity of activity should be determined according to the patient's medical condition and healthcare professional's advice.

Cardiac rehabilitation may also be considered for patients recovering after certain cardiac procedures or hospitalisation, depending on their clinical needs.

Heart Rhythm and Heart Failure

Heart rhythm disorders can occur alongside heart failure and may influence symptoms or treatment decisions. Palpitations, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness or fainting may require further evaluation.

When a rhythm problem is suspected, investigations such as an ECG or Holter monitoring may be recommended. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment can include medication, monitoring, catheter-based procedures or cardiac devices.

Learn more about Electrophysiology and Heart Rhythm Treatment for information about arrhythmias and specialised cardiac rhythm care. SIRIS Healthcare

Lifestyle and Long-Term Heart Failure Management

Managing heart failure is usually an ongoing process rather than a one-time treatment. Depending on individual medical advice, patients may be encouraged to:

• Take prescribed medicines consistently
• Monitor symptoms and report significant changes
• Follow recommended dietary and fluid guidance
• Maintain appropriate physical activity
• Manage blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
• Avoid tobacco
• Attend scheduled cardiology follow-ups
• Follow an appropriate cardiac rehabilitation programme when recommended

The right lifestyle plan varies from person to person, particularly when heart failure occurs alongside kidney disease, diabetes or other health conditions.

When Should You Consult a Heart Failure Specialist?

Consider seeking medical evaluation if you have persistent or worsening breathlessness, swelling, unexplained fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, recurrent palpitations or an existing heart condition that requires ongoing monitoring.

People who have already been diagnosed with heart failure may need periodic assessment to monitor symptoms, heart function, medicines and cardiovascular risk factors.

You can also explore Siris Healthcare's Cardiology Specialists to learn more about cardiology doctors and specialist care options. SIRIS Healthcare

Heart Failure Care at Siris Healthcare

Finding appropriate care for heart failure involves more than choosing a treatment based on symptoms. Patients may need cardiac investigations, specialist consultation, medication management, rehabilitation and regular follow-up depending on their condition.

Siris Healthcare helps patients explore heart failure care, cardiology services, cardiac diagnostics and specialist treatment options across its healthcare network. The appropriate hospital, cardiologist and treatment pathway should be determined according to the patient's medical needs, diagnosis and available clinical services.

Explore our Cardiology and Heart Care, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Health Screening resources to understand your options