The Valley Hospital is now open at 4 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus. (You may need to use 650 Winters Avenue for GPS.) All emergency care is now being provided at this location. Emergency care is no longer available at our Ridgewood campus.
As a heart failure cardiologist, I frequently see patients with heart failure who were initially misdiagnosed with asthma. The syndrome of heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak or stiff. It triggers fluid retention that can affect the lungs and cause shortness of breath. Asthma occurs when the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed.
Heart failure and asthma share some common symptoms such as
However, there are some symptoms that are specific to heart failure. These include
In addition to a patient’s medical history, there are several diagnostic tests that can help to differentiate heart failure from asthma. A chest x-ray, echocardiogram and a blood test called a BNP can help make the diagnosis. Asthma and heart failure are treated very differently, so it is important to get the diagnosis correct. Asthma is commonly treated with inhalers, steroids and avoiding environmental triggers. Heart failure is treated with diuretics, heart strengthening medication, a low sodium diet and exercise.
Are you or your loved one having symptoms of heart failure? If so, please call my office at 201-251-3243 to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Abbate is a heart failure specialist who uses a holistic approach to treating patients. She looks at each patient as an individual and targets treatments to each patient's individual needs.
