New Delhi: The heart is a vital organ in your body responsible for various bodily functions. Heart failure is a severe condition that can be fatal. It is a condition when your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet various needs of your body. But it also doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped working. Instead, heart failure means your heart is working but it is not functioning well as it should be. This particular condition can develop gradually in many. If left untreated or ignored it can lead to a range of severe complications that can be life-threatening.
Heart failure can affect anyone irrespective their age but it is more common in older adults, especially those with a previous history of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The organs and tissues present in your body may not get enough oxygen and nutrient supply when your heart isn’t pumping efficiently. It can further lead to experiencing symptoms like fatigue, difficulty in breathing, and swelling. Recognizing and diagnosing this condition early can help save lives and improve the effectiveness of the treatment options.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, spoke about the symptoms and prevention of heart failure.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
One can experience a range of symptoms associated with heart failure. This can include symptoms like shortness of breath (especially when you try to lie down or during physical activity), fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdominal area, irregular heartbeat, persistent coughing or wheezing, reduced ability to exercise, unintentional weight gain from fluid retention, lightheadedness, feeling tired even after resting for enough time, loss of appetite, confusion, chest pain, skin or lips turning bluish (cyanosis), and difficulty in falling asleep. These symptoms may vary from person to person depending on various factors. The symptoms may worsen over time, if not promptly managed or diagnosed. The intensity and severity of these symptoms can range from severe to mild.
Prevention of heart failure
It becomes crucial for people to take utmost care of their health, particularly, heart health. Following preventive measures can help reduce your risk of experiencing cardiovascular issues like heart failure. It starts with managing the common risk factors like high blood pressure, high levels of bad cholesterol, and diabetes. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and eat a diet that is well-balanced and heart-healthy. Keep your diet low in salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol to significantly reduce excessive strain on your heart. Staying physically active by exercising regularly can strengthen your heart health and also improve blood circulation. If you are diagnosed with certain health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes it is essential to manage them. Going for regular checkups and screenings can help catch any abnormalities or warning signs of heart failure. If you start to feel uneasy or any type of cardiovascular pain then immediately consult a doctor.
Heart Failure Awareness Week: A potentially fatal condition as this can be prevented provided one is aware of the early signs and symptoms. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
