Dr. Rhodes

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This makes the heart work harder and eventually leads to the symptoms of heart failure. Individuals with heart failure cannot exert themselves because they become short of breath and exhausted.

Based on data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, at age 40 the lifetime risk of developing heart failure for both men and women is one in five. Charles M. Rhodes, M.D., cardiologist at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, helps us to understand the causes and risk factors for this life-threatening condition.





Q. What are some of the common causes of heart failure?

Dr. Rhodes: Heart failure is typically caused by blockage of the arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart valve problems, chronic rapid or irregular heart beat, or damage to the heart after a heart attack.

Q. What are the early symptoms of heart failure?

Dr. Rhodes: Individuals should be alerted to symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing either when active or when resting. Other symptoms include weakness or fatigue, problems breathing when lying down, waking up at night coughing or short of breath, swollen ankles or feet, chest discomfort, dizziness, and/or a “racing” heart beat.

Q. How is heart failure diagnosed?

Dr. Rhodes: There are a number of valuable tests available at OLBH’s Cardiology Department to help determine a possible diagnosis of heart failure. The most important of these tests is the echocardiogram, or an "echo,” which tells us how well the patient’s heart is pumping.

Dr. Rhodes warns that heart failure is a chronic and progressive disease. “Many people don't even realize they have the condition because its symptoms are often mistaken for signs of aging,” Dr. Rhodes added. “Heart failure does not develop overnight - it is a progressive disease that starts slowly and gets worse over time.


With early diagnosis and Our Lady of Bellefonte’s advanced treatment options, people with heart failure are able to continue enjoying their everyday activities and have an improved life expectancy. If you feel you may have an increased risk of heart failure, speak to your physician about how the OLBH Cardiology Department can help you be diagnosed and begin to overcome the condition. If you are in need of a family physician, the OLBH CareLine can refer you to someone who meets your needs; simply call (606) 833-CARE (2273), or e-mail at careline@bshsi.org.