Heart Failure :
Heart failure is a serious medical condition which inquires prompt and emergent medical attention from a certified cardiologist. It can be life threatening condition and can also cause death if left untreated. Heart failure or congestive heart failure is characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood significantly to other body parts which results in fluid retention and congestion in the lungs and legs. It is caused due to several underlying factors and conditions which include obesity, hypertension, coronary artery stenosis, chronic alcohol consumption, and other heart related abnormalities. Heart failure is evaluated by clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath on exertion or at rest, chest pain, swelling in legs, persistent cough, nocturia and changes in heart rate/palpitations. This condition is further confirmed by conducting several clinical tests such as echo-cardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, CT or MRI scans, electrocardiogram and stress test. A treatment regimen is curated by a cardiologist based on the stages of heart failure (A, B, C and D). It can include treatment for underlying conditions and surgical management in extreme cases.