Cardiologist Interview Question:

Explain me is There Only One Type Of Heart Failure?

Submitted by: Muhammad

The term congestive heart failure is often used to describe all patients with heart failure. In reality, congestion (the build up of fluid) is just one feature of the condition and does not occur in all patients. There are two main categories of heart failure–Systolic and Diastolic. However, within each category, symptoms and effects may differ from patient to patient.

The two categories are.
☛ Systolic heart failure: This occurs when the heart's ability to contract decreases. The heart cannot pump with enough force to push a sufficient amount of blood into the circulation. Blood coming into the heart from the lungs may back up and cause fluid to leak into the lungs, a condition known as Pulmonary congestion.

☛ Diastolic heart failure: This occurs when the heart has a problem relaxing. The heart cannot properly fill with blood because the muscle has become stiff, losing its ability to relax. This form may lead to fluid accumulation, especially in the feet, ankles, and legs. Some patients may have lung congestion.

Heart Failures are common Between 2 to 3 million Americans have heart failure, and 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The condition is slightly more common among men than women and is twice as common among African Americans as whites.
Submitted by: Muhammad