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About Heart Failure

The term "heart failure" makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all and there's nothing that can be done. Actually, heart failure means that the heart isn't pumping as well as it should be. Your body depends on the heart's pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body's cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally.

With heart failure, the weakened heart can't supply the cells with enough blood (View an animation of heart failure) . This results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.

Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there's no cure. But many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with heart failure medications and healthy lifestyle changes. It's also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition.


How the normal heart works

The normal healthy heart is a strong, muscular pump a little larger than a fist. It pumps blood continuously through the circulatory system.

The heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left:

  • Two upper chambers called atria (one is an atrium)
  • Two lower chambers called ventricles
Oxygen-rich blood travels from the lungs to the left atrium, then on to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the rest of the body.

The right atria takes in oxygen-depleted blood from the rest of the body and sends it back out to the lungs through the right ventricle.

The heart pumps blood to the lungs and to all the body's tissues by a sequence of highly organized contractions of the four chambers. For the heart to function properly, the four chambers must beat in an organized way.
What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood through to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen. Basically, the heart can't keep up with its workload.

At first the heart tries to make up for this by:

  • Enlarging. When the heart chamber enlarges, it stretches more and can contract more strongly, so it pumps more blood.
  • Developing more muscle mass. The increase in muscle mass occurs because the contracting cells of the heart get bigger. This lets the heart pump more strongly, at least initially.
  • Pumping faster. This helps to increase the heart's output.
The body also tries to compensate in other ways:

  • The blood vessels narrow to keep blood pressure up, trying to make up for the heart's loss of power.
  • The body diverts blood away from less important tissues and organs to maintain flow to the most vital organs, the heart and brain.
These temporary measures mask the problem of heart failure, but they don't solve it. Heart failure continues and worsens until these substitute processes no longer work.

Eventually the heart and body just can't keep up, and the person experiences the fatigue, breathing problems or other symptoms that usually prompt a trip to the doctor.

The body's compensation mechanisms help explain why some people may not become aware of their condition until years after their heart begins its decline. (It's also a good reason to have a regular checkup with your doctor.)

Heart failure can involve the heart's left side, right side or both sides. However, it usually affects the left side first.

CONTACT

2330 S. Milford Rd. Suite 120
​Highland, MI 48357
​

Phone: (248) 676-9060
Fax: (248) 684-5550
Billing Questions: (734) 398-5700 ext. 0
​
On Call Physician: (248) 952-9999​

​OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday : 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

PHONE HOURS

Monday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Saturday - Sunday: ​
​On Call Physician
​
(248) 952-9999​

Bloodwork / Lab Hours

Bloodwork / Lab (Quest):
Temporary Hours due to COVID-19

Please knock if you arrive before 9am. If you arrive after 9am please call us from your car for instructions.
Monday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday : 8:00am -
4:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
More Information
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  • Home
  • Services
  • Your Physicians
  • Documents
  • Info
    • After Hours Info
    • After Care Survey
  • Photos
  • Health Resources
    • Dr. Belgiano's Famous Constipation Recipe
    • General Diet Information
    • Dash Diet
    • Low Cholesterol Diet
    • Low Fat Diet
    • Other Specialty Diets
    • Living With Celiac Disease
    • Living With CKD
    • Living With COPD
    • Living With Depression
    • Living With Diabetes
    • Living With Heart Failure
    • Living With High Cholesterol
    • Living With Hypertension
    • Living With Vascular Disease
    • Obesity Resources
    • Smoking Cessation