What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure does not mean that the heart has completely stopped. It means the heart has become too weak or stiff to pump blood efficiently.

The condition may affect the left side, right side, or both sides of the heart.

Common Heart Failure Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath during activity or rest
• Difficulty breathing while lying flat
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced exercise tolerance

What Causes Heart Failure?

Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Previous heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Diabetes
• Congenital heart disease

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for selecting the right treatment.

How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed?

Evaluation may include:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Blood tests
• Chest imaging
• Holter monitoring
• Exercise or cardiac function testing

An echocardiogram can assess the heart’s pumping strength, chamber size, valves, and overall function.

Heart Failure Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and type of heart failure.

Management may include:

• Medication to reduce fluid retention
• Medication to improve heart function
• Blood pressure control
• Treatment for abnormal heart rhythms
• Cholesterol and diabetes management
• Reduced sodium intake
• Weight and symptom monitoring
• Appropriate physical activity

Some patients may require advanced procedures, implanted cardiac devices, or hospital-based treatment.

When Is Heart Failure an Emergency?

Seek emergency care for:

• Sudden or severe breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Blue lips or fingers
• Rapidly worsening swelling
• Confusion or extreme weakness
• Sudden weight gain with breathing problems

These symptoms may indicate acute heart failure and require immediate hospital treatment.

Heart Failure Care for International Patients

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic welcomes international patients, expatriates, and visitors seeking heart failure evaluation or follow-up care in Seoul.

Patients should bring previous echocardiograms, ECGs, hospital records, blood test results, and a current medication list.

Why Choose Dr. Lim Do-Sun Heart Clinic?

The clinic provides:

• Cardiologist-led heart failure evaluation
• ECG and echocardiography
• Heart function monitoring
• Medication review and adjustment
• Cardiovascular risk management
• Personalized long-term follow-up
• International patient support

Book a Heart Failure Evaluation in Seoul

Early diagnosis and proper management can help improve symptoms, daily function, and long-term heart health.

Visit Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic for professional heart failure evaluation and cardiovascular care in Seoul, Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is heart failure the same as a heart attack?

No. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Can heart failure be treated?

Heart failure is often a long-term condition, but medication, lifestyle management, and treatment of the underlying cause can improve symptoms and heart function.

Why does heart failure cause swollen legs?

Reduced pumping ability can cause fluid to accumulate in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.

Can heart failure cause breathing problems at night?

Yes. Fluid may build up in the lungs, making breathing more difficult when lying flat or during sleep.

How is heart pumping strength measured?

An echocardiogram can measure the heart’s ejection fraction and evaluate how effectively it pumps blood.

How often should heart failure patients see a cardiologist?

Follow-up frequency depends on symptom severity, heart function, medication changes, and overall health.