Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart muscle fails to pump blood as efficiently as it should. Blood backs up, and fluid builds up in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath. Sufficient blood flow is crucial for bodily functions to function properly.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE
Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Breathlessness
- Sudden weight gain
- Palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat)
- Persistent cough with fluid accumulation
- Swelling of legs and belly area
- Lack of appetite
- Decreased concentration and alertness Chest pain (if heart failure occurred due to heart attack)
Heart failure occurs when various conditions have potentially weakened or damaged your heart. It can also happen if the heart muscles become rigid.
RISK FACTORS
Although heart failure can be caused by one risk factor, a combination of risk factors usually increases the risk. Some of the risk factors are:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Obesity
- Sleeplessness
- Heart attack
- Irregular heartbeats
- Congenital heart disease
- Diabetes
- Side effects of medications
- Other heart disorders
PREVENTION
In order to prevent heart failure, you must reduce risk factors. Healthy lifestyle changes and
medications given by your doctor can help you reduce or eliminate the risk factors. One can definitely live longer with proper treatment which will improve the signs and symptoms. Improve your quality of life by making these changes in your life:
- Avoid smoking or drinking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain your weight
- Keep stress and diabetes in control
- Have a balanced diet
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consider consulting a physician if you suspect that you may be suffering from heart failure. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following
- Excessive sweating
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Fainting or dizziness
- Sudden irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath,
- Persistent coughing and suffocation
Heart failure can be life-threatening for some people. In such cases, a ventricular assist device (VAD) may be required.
We at Venkataeswara Hospitals strive to promote heart health, in order to prevent heart diseases among patients in the community.
We believe that cardiac problems are completely predictable and preventable and therefore strive to promote preventive cardiology as well as curative cardiology.
The experienced team of cardiologist consultants is backed by a dedicated team of intensivists and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit, as well as by a sincere and dedicated team of dietitians who give helpful, realistic advice on how to follow a cardiac diet.
