Can heart failure be cured?
Disease description:
My grandfather is 65 years old this year. Two days ago, he went to the hospital due to heart discomfort, and the doctor diagnosed him with heart failure. I would like to ask whether heart failure can be cured.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Heart failure, commonly referred to as cardiac insufficiency, is a condition characterized by a weakened ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. The treatment of heart failure is a comprehensive process. The goals of treatment are to control symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and prolong survival.
1. Possibility of Cure: Strictly speaking, heart failure cannot be completely cured. However, for early-stage heart failure or cases caused by acute cardiac conditions such as acute myocarditis, there is a possibility of complete recovery if treatment is initiated early and the patient's overall health is good.
2. Medication Therapy: Adequate rest should be ensured, and medications such as diuretics and isosorbide dinitrate may be taken under medical supervision to improve the condition. For severe cases, device-based therapies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may be required.
3. Supportive Management: Lifestyle modifications include limiting salt intake, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, engaging in appropriate physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Although heart failure cannot be completely cured, comprehensive treatment can effectively control the disease, enabling patients to live stable lives for extended periods.
