By Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC
Heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn’t meet the body demand in pumping adequate blood. This leads to several symptoms and signs as well as various laboratory abnormalities.
The most common presentation is from fluid build up in the body leading to; shortness of breath, leg swelling, weight gain, inability to lay flat ( orthopnea).
Because fluid build up is so common often it can also be referred as ‘congestive heart failure’ or CHF. However some patients may present without “congestion”.
The underlying reason for heart failure can be; coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, genetic predisposition, arrhythmia.
But in a fairly significant number of patients we don’t know why.
Broadly we classify Heart Failure in two types:
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Ejection Fraction is a common parameter in cardiology. It is a calculated number that reflects the squeezing function of the heart. Anything > 50% is normal and < 50% is low or abnormal.
Historically heart failure used to be a lethal disease with mortality in par compared to cancer. But we have made significant improvements in the last two decades. We have as many as 18 molecular pathways (and drugs) to treat heart failure. We also have several procedures, some of them are state of the art. Mortality and morbidity has significantly improved.
If you have symptoms of heart failure and need to get evaluated or if you have a diagnosis of heart failure and need to be treated, Port Charlotte Cardiology is the right place.
Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC invasive cardiology and advanced heart failure management Dr. Hundae received his Premedical and Doctor of Medicine Degree from Jimma University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal medicine Residency at Mercer University School of Medicine. His Heart Failure/Heart Transplant fellowship at the University of Miami Cardiovascular Fellowship Program. Cardiovascular fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center.
Board certifications
• Cardiology
• Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Comprehensive Echocardiography
• Internal Medicine
Port Charlotte Cardiology
3161 Harbor Blvd, Suite A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 235-8892
www.portcharlottecardiology.com