Overview
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. In Korea, it is a growing public health concern due to aging populations and lifestyle-related risk factors. With modern cardiology care and rehabilitation programs, Korean hospitals provide comprehensive management to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart’s chambers cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body. It can result from weakened heart muscles (systolic heart failure) or stiffened heart muscles (diastolic heart failure). Both men and women are affected, and the condition is more common in older adults.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Reduced ability to exercise or perform daily activities
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
Causes
- Coronary artery disease and previous heart attacks
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
- Heart valve disorders
- Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms
- Congenital heart defects
- Chronic lung diseases or thyroid disorders
Risk Factors
- Age over 60
- Hypertension and high cholesterol
- Diabetes and obesity
- History of heart attack or coronary artery disease
- Sedentary lifestyle and smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of heart failure
Complications
If untreated or poorly managed, heart failure can cause:
- Severe fluid retention and pulmonary edema
- Kidney dysfunction or failure
- Liver congestion and dysfunction
- Arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death
- Reduced ability to perform daily activities
- Recurrent hospitalizations
Prevention
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Regular monitoring with a cardiologist for early detection of heart problems
- Stress management and adequate sleep
Treatment Options in Korea
Korean hospitals offer comprehensive care for heart failure:
- Medications:
- ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists to improve heart function and reduce fluid retention
- Device therapy:
- Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for advanced cases
- Surgical options:
- Heart valve repair/replacement and, in select cases, heart transplantation at specialized centers
- Cardiac rehabilitation:
- Exercise programs, nutritional counseling, and education to improve physical capacity and prevent hospital readmissions
- Monitoring and follow-up:
- Regular echocardiograms, blood tests, and medication adjustments at hospitals like Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, and Asan Medical Center
- Lifestyle guidance:
- Salt restriction, fluid management, weight monitoring, and patient education
With proper medical management, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing follow-up, patients in Korea can live longer, healthier lives with heart failure.
