Complications of heart failure

A cardiac insufficiency is often accompanied by cardiac arrhythmia. The reason for this lies in the structure and function of the heart: the rhythm and speed of the heartbeat are determined by certain nerves that are directly connected to the heart. A cardiac insufficiency leads to changes in the blood supply of the body and thus also of the heart itself.

As a result, the nerves that set the rhythm of the heart can also be undersupplied, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia. This can manifest itself, for example, through an accelerated heartbeat, but also through an irregular heart rhythm. Since this is not necessarily perceived by the patient himself, it is recommended to consult a doctor for clarification in case of other symptoms that indicate a cardiac insufficiency.

Sudden cardiac death is the unexpected death of a person due to heart failure. It can occur in the context of many illnesses and is therefore also a possible complication of a cardiac insufficiency. The number of people who die of sudden cardiac death due to heart failure has decreased significantly in recent years.

It is assumed that this is due to the improvement in the drug treatment of cardiac insufficiency. Sudden cardiac death usually occurs without any symptoms occurring before. Those affected suddenly fall over and no pulse can be felt. In such a situation, an emergency doctor must be alerted as soon as possible. Occasionally a brief fainting occurs in advance.

Mechanism of left heart failure

The left half of the heart pumps blood into the so-called body circulation, i.e. it supplies the entire organs of the body with blood and thus with the vital oxygen needed for all necessary processes. The lack of oxygen in the various organs results in the symptoms of heart failure. The fact that the brain is not sufficiently supplied with blood can lead to reduced performance and lack of concentration.

In more severe cases of left-sided cardiac insufficiency, dizziness, light-headedness or even clouding of consciousness can sometimes occur. Due to the permanent lack of oxygen in the tissues, mucous membranes can turn blue, a condition known as “cyanosis“. In addition, one can often notice that hands and feet are unusually cool and sweat also appears rather cold.

Because the left heart is no longer able to pump the blood sufficiently when the left heart is weak, it accumulates in the veins that supply blood to this half of the heart. Since these come from the lungs, these pulmonary veins may be overfilled with blood. If the pressure in these vessels becomes too high, blood is pressed out of them into the tissue, so to speak.

This leads to an accumulation of water in the lungs. This results in severe shortness of breath, which can manifest itself as restlessness, dry cough and/or exhaustion. When listening to the lungs, one hears bubbling breathing sounds.

It is noticeable that many patients with a weakness of the left heart sit with their upper body very upright to make breathing easier. Also when sleeping, many of them fall back on several pillows or a raised bed to get better air through the sitting position. Particularly at night, sufferers often experience a seizure-like shortness of breath, which is also known as cardiac asthma.