Heart Failure: Understanding the Diagnosis and What Comes Next
What Does Heart Failure Actually Mean?
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. It means the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should to meet the body's needs. The heart is still working, but it is weakened or stiffened, and it cannot keep up with the demands placed on it.
Heart failure affects approximately 480,000 Australians, and around 67,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is more common with increasing age but can affect people of any age.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure is not a single disease but the end result of various conditions that damage or overload the heart. The most common causes in Australia are coronary artery disease (where blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood supply to the heart muscle), long-standing high blood pressure (which forces the heart to work harder over many years), previous heart attack (which scars and weakens part of the heart muscle), and valve disease (where faulty valves force the heart to work harder).
Other causes include cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle itself), arrhythmias such as longstanding atrial fibrillation, viral infections of the heart, and certain medications or toxins.
Recognising the Symptoms
The most common symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath -- particularly during physical activity or when lying flat, persistent fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance, swelling of the ankles, legs, or abdomen (oedema), a persistent cough or wheeze (especially when lying down), rapid or irregular heartbeat, and needing extra pillows to sleep comfortably (orthopnoea).
Symptoms can develop gradually over weeks or months, which is why many people do not seek help until the condition is quite advanced. If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, see your GP promptly.
Worried about these symptoms?
All consultations and cardiac tests at Complete Heart Centre are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted. No gap fees, no out-of-pocket costs.
How Heart Failure Is Diagnosed and Monitored
The echocardiogram is the cornerstone of heart failure diagnosis and monitoring. It measures the ejection fraction -- the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each beat. A normal ejection fraction is 55% or higher. Heart failure is broadly classified as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, below 40%) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, 50% or above). Each type has different underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches.
Regular echocardiograms are used to monitor how well treatment is working and whether the heart function is improving, stable, or declining. Your cardiologist will typically arrange follow-up echocardiograms at regular intervals.
At Complete Heart Centre, echocardiograms and all specialist consultations for heart failure monitoring are fully bulk billed through Medicare.
Living Well with Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition, but modern treatment has dramatically improved outcomes. Evidence-based medications can improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and extend life. Lifestyle adjustments including fluid management, a low-salt diet, regular gentle exercise, and daily weight monitoring also play a crucial role.
The key to living well with heart failure is consistent specialist follow-up, taking medications as prescribed, and responding promptly to changes in symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, regular cardiologist appointments ensure your treatment is optimised and any changes are detected early.
Related Services -- All Bulk Billed Through Medicare
Learn more about the diagnostic tests and consultations mentioned in this article. Every service is $0 out-of-pocket with a Medicare card and GP referral.
Take Action Today — Your Heart Check Is Free
With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all cardiac tests at Complete Heart Centre are completely free. Three clinics -- Sydenham, Bundoora and Williams Landing.
