Heart Failure

Heart failure is the inability of the heart to efficiently pump blood. It is caused by weakening of the heart due to a variety of factors including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart valve and rhythm disorders and hypertension. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue and retention of fluid in the lower extremities, abdomen and lungs.

Standard therapies include dietary restrictions, mechanical assist devices, medications that regulate blood pressure and heart rate, and diuretics (“water pills”). Unfortunately, these measures are limited in effectiveness, and approximately one-half of discharged patients will be readmitted for fluid overload within six months of discharge. For example, diuretics are often effective in removing excess fluid, but less effective in removing excess salt—the real culprit. Plus, over time, patients become less responsive to diuretics and may experience damage to their kidneys.