Heart failure means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped. Symptoms include breathlessness on effort or when lying flat, swollen ankles, tiredness and difficulty climbing stairs. Causes include blocked arteries, high blood pressure, valve disease and weakened heart muscle.

Most patients improve with the right medicines, limited salt, careful fluid intake, daily weight checks and treatment of the underlying cause. A heart and vascular specialist in Mumbai at Apex reviews symptoms, echocardiography results and kidney function, and adjusts treatment at each visit. Regular follow-up lowers the chance of hospital admission.

For a small number of patients with advanced disease, other treatments may be considered. Bypass surgery or valve repair can help when blocked arteries or leaking valves are weakening the heart. Mechanical pumps and transplantation need detailed evaluation of the heart, kidneys, lungs and the patient's support at home. The team explains realistic benefits, risks and the lifelong follow-up involved.

Heart failure and transplant services include:

• Medical Optimisation: Careful adjustment of heart failure medicines, with monitoring of symptoms, weight, blood pressure and kidney function, which can reduce hospital admissions, relieve breathlessness and improve everyday comfort at home.
• Surgical Treatment of the Cause: Bypass surgery for blocked arteries or valve repair and replacement for leaking or narrowed valves, performed when these problems are weakening the heart and when correcting them may improve pumping.
• Ventricular Assist Device Evaluation: Assessment for a mechanical pump that helps a weak left ventricle, either as a bridge to transplant or as long-term support for selected patients, with training for the patient and caregiver in device care.
• Heart Transplantation Evaluation: Review of heart function, other illnesses and home support for patients with end-stage heart failure, followed by long-term care that includes immune-suppressing medicines and regular checks for rejection.