Congestive Heart Failure, Atrial fibrillation, Cardiomyopathy 심부전,심방세동, 심근병증

 

 

 

Heart Conditions Overview Table | 심장 질환 요약 표

Category	Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) 심부전	Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) 심방세동	Cardiomyopathy 심근병증
Definition 정의	Heart can't pump blood well, causing fluid buildup. 심장이 혈액을 제대로 펌프하지 못해 체액이 쌓임	Irregular, fast heartbeat that may cause stroke. 불규칙하고 빠른 심장 박동으로 뇌졸중 위험	Disease of heart muscle that weakens pumping. 심장 근육이 약해져 혈액 순환 저하
Symptoms 증상	- Shortness of breath - Swelling - Fatigue - Coughing 숨 가쁨, 부종, 피로, 기침	- Palpitations - Dizziness - Fatigue 두근거림, 어지러움, 피로	- Shortness of breath - Irregular heartbeat - Fainting 숨 가쁨, 불규칙한 박동, 실신
Safety Tips 안전 수칙	- Limit salt/fluid - Monitor weight - Take meds 소금/수분 제한, 체중 확인, 약 복용	- Take blood thinners - Avoid caffeine/alcohol 혈액 희석제 복용, 카페인/알코올 피하기	- Avoid alcohol/drugs - Heart-healthy lifestyle 술/약물 피하기, 건강한 습관 유지
Tests 검사	- Echocardiogram - ECG - Blood tests 심장 초음파, 심전도, 혈액 검사	- ECG - Holter monitor - Echo 심전도, 홀터 모니터, 초음파	- Echo - ECG - MRI 초음파, 심전도, MRI
Treatments 치료	- Diuretics - Beta-blockers - ACE inhibitors 이뇨제, 베타차단제, ACE 억제제	- Blood thinners - Rhythm meds - Ablation 혈액 희석제, 리듬 약, 절제술	- Medications - Pacemaker - Transplant (if severe) 약물, 심박 조율기, 심장 이식 (심한 경우)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

What is it?

• The heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should.
  
  
• Fluid builds up in the lungs, legs, and body (“congestion”).
  
  

Key Signs & Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
  
  
• Swelling in feet, ankles, or belly
  
  
• Fatigue, weakness
  
  
• Rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
  
  

Safety Tips:

• Weigh daily (to catch fluid buildup early)
  
  
• Watch for worsening shortness of breath or swelling
  
  
• Limit salt and fluids if advised
  
  
• Take meds exactly as prescribed
  
  

Tests/ Treatments Ordered:

• Blood tests (BNP)
  
  
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
  
  
• Chest X-ray
  
  
• EKG
  
  

Common Treatments:

• Diuretics (“water pills”) to get rid of fluid
  
  
• ACE inhibitors / ARBs / ARNI (help heart pump better)
  
  
• Beta blockers (slow heart, help pumping)
  
  
• Low-salt diet, fluid limits
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

What is it?

• An irregular, often fast heartbeat.
  
  
• The upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat chaotically.
  
  

Key Signs & Symptoms:

• Palpitations (“fluttering” or “racing” heart)
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
  
• Sometimes no symptoms
  
  

Safety Tips:

• Risk of blood clots → stroke risk is high
  
  
• Take blood thinners if prescribed
  
  
• Report chest pain or fainting right away
  
  

Tests/ Treatments Ordered:

• EKG (shows irregular rhythm)
  
  
• Holter monitor (24-48 hr heart rhythm test)
  
  
• Echocardiogram
  
  
• Blood tests (thyroid, electrolytes)
  
  

Common Treatments:

• Blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs like apixaban)
  
  
• Rate control meds (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers)
  
  
• Rhythm control (antiarrhythmic meds, cardioversion, ablation)
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Cardiomyopathy

What is it?

• Disease of the heart muscle → makes it weak, stiff, or enlarged.
  
  
• Can lead to heart failure or irregular heartbeats.
  
  

Key Signs & Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Swelling in legs/ankles
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Palpitations
  
  

Safety Tips:

• Avoid alcohol/drugs that strain the heart
  
  
• Take meds regularly
  
  
• Watch for worsening swelling or shortness of breath
  
  
• Know family history (some types are inherited)
  
  

Tests/ Treatments Ordered:

• Echocardiogram
  
  
• EKG
  
  
• MRI of heart
  
  
• Genetic testing (sometimes)
  
  
• Stress test
  
  

Common Treatments:

• Same as heart failure meds (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics)
  
  
• Implantable defibrillator (ICD) for dangerous rhythms
  
  
• Lifestyle changes: low-salt diet, limit fluids, no smoking/alcohol
  
  
• Severe cases: heart transplant
  
  

 

 In short:

• CHF = weak pump, fluid buildup
  
  
• AFib = irregular rhythm, stroke risk
  
  

Cardiomyopathy = diseased heart muscle