❤️ Understanding Heart Failure – Geriatric internal medicine physician Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Jul 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Heart failure sounds scary — but it doesn’t mean your heart has “stopped working.” It simply means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should. And while it can be serious, with the right care, many people live long, full lives.
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, our experienced geriatric internal medicine physician in Georgetown TX takes the time to explain, support, and treat patients with compassion — never rush or judgment.
Let’s break it down in plain, helpful terms.
💓 What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure can happen for many reasons, but the most common include:
Coronary artery disease (narrowed heart vessels)
High blood pressure over many years
Diabetes
Heart valve disease
Heart attacks
Irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation)
Heavy alcohol use
Certain medications or infections
Aging-related heart muscle weakness (common in seniors)
🔬 What’s Happening Inside the Body? (Pathophysiology)
In heart failure, the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. As a result:
Blood backs up in the lungs or legs → shortness of breath and swelling
Kidneys don’t get enough blood → fluid builds up
Oxygen delivery drops → fatigue and mental fog
Your heart may still be beating — but not efficiently.
🧪 How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed? by Geriatric internal medicine physician Georgetown TX
Your doctor may perform several tests to understand how your heart is working:
Echocardiogram (echo): ultrasound to check heart muscle strength
Electrocardiogram (EKG): checks your heart rhythm
Chest X-ray: looks for fluid or heart size changes
BNP blood test: detects fluid buildup
Stress tests or heart catheterization: if needed
At our family medical center in Georgetown TX, we explain each step clearly and calmly — no overwhelm, no rushing.
💊 Treatment for Heart Failure
Treatment usually includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, based on the type and severity of heart failure.
📋 Common Medications
ACE inhibitors / ARBs / ARNI: relax vessels and help the heart pump
Beta-blockers: slow the heart and reduce strain
Diuretics (“water pills”): remove excess fluid
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: support long-term heart health
SGLT2 inhibitors: new medications that also help protect kidneys
Your doctor adjusts your treatment based on your labs, blood pressure, and symptoms.
🌿 Lifestyle & Natural Remedies That Can Help
Alongside medical care, these daily habits can support your heart:
🥦 Healthy Diet
Choose low-salt foods (check labels!)
Eat plenty of veggies, lean protein, and whole grains
Avoid fried and processed meals
🧂 Watch Fluids & Sodium
Limit salt to ~1,500 mg per day
Monitor fluid intake if your doctor recommends it
🧘♀️ Gentle Movement
Walking, tai chi, or light yoga can help
Avoid overexertion — rest is okay!
💤 Quality Sleep
Sleep apnea is common in heart failure — ask your doctor if a sleep study is needed
🌼 Supplements (Talk to your doctor first)
CoQ10 may help energy in heart cells
Magnesium (only if low) can support rhythm
Potassium — only if advised by your doctor
❓ Top 10 FAQs – Heart Failure
💭 Is heart failure a death sentence?
No! With proper treatment and lifestyle care, many people live full, active lives.
💭 Can it be reversed?
Some causes (like valve issues or certain arrhythmias) can improve with treatment. Others are managed long-term.
💭 Is it the same as a heart attack?
No — but a heart attack can cause heart failure.
💭 Should I limit fluids?
Some patients need to — others don’t. We’ll guide you case-by-case.
💭 What are the signs it’s getting worse?
More shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, swelling, fatigue, or needing to sleep sitting up.
💭 What foods should I avoid?
High-sodium packaged foods, fried items, and salty snacks.
💭 Can seniors benefit from treatment?
Yes! Even in older adults, the right care improves energy, breathing, and quality of life.
💭 Will I need a cardiologist?
Sometimes, yes. We’ll refer if advanced testing or procedures are needed — and continue to support you here too.
💭 Do I need to weigh myself daily?
If recommended, yes — it can help detect fluid buildup early.
💭 Why choose Wellness Bay?
Because we offer prolonged, unrushed visits with a doctor who actually listens. You deserve that.
👨⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Please don’t delay care if you or a loved one has:
Swelling in the legs or belly
Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
Fatigue or confusion
Chest discomfort
Irregular heartbeats
Sudden weight gain (more than 2–3 lbs in a day)
At Wellness Bay, our geriatric internal medicine physician in Georgetown TX understands how heart failure uniquely affects older adults — and takes the time to create a personalized plan that supports the whole person. 💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together
The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
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