Heart Failure - Surgery
People who have heart failure may have surgery to:
- Open clogged arteries. Coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty may help some people who have heart failure with chest pain (angina) or who have had a heart attack.
- Fix problems that cause heart failure, such as damaged valves.
- Get a new heart. You have to meet certain conditions to get a heart transplant. But you may be able to have one if you have very bad, life-limiting symptoms.
Surgery Choices
- Heart transplant
- Surgery to get a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or ventricular assist devices (VADs). For more information, see Other Treatment.
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Angioplasty
For more information on bypass surgery and angioplasty, see the topic Coronary Artery Disease.
Understanding Heart Failure -- Symptoms
The symptoms of heart failure can be related to the pooling of fluid in the body or can be secondary to decreased blood flow to the body. Some people with heart failure don't experience symptoms, but here are some of the more common signs: Shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying down Swollen legs, ankles, or abdomen Dry, hacking cough, or wheezing Other symptoms may include: Fatigue, palpitations, or pain during normal activities Weig...
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