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Poor dietary habits are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The dietary scores for 4 healthy eating patterns to prevent the risk of heart failure involve Healthy Eating Index–2015, Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score, Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index, and Alternate Healthy Eating Index. One of the studies found that individuals who strictly adhered to healthy eating patterns had a 14% to 21% lower risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to those who adhered the least. Individuals who are consistent with this dietary pattern have a 31% lower risk of congestive heart failure, a 20% reduced risk of stroke, and a 33% lower risk of diabetes. In this blog, we will explore congestive heart failure and the top four diets that can help congestive heart failure prevention.
Synopsis
About Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle loses its ability to pump blood; thus, the blood often flows backwards and can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Certain cardiovascular conditions can make the heart too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively, like narrowed arteries in the heart and high blood pressure.
The signs of congestive heart failure include the following:
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Breathing difficulties during exercise or rest,
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Fatigue and weakness,
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat,
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Swelling in the feet, legs, and ankles
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Reduced ability to exercise.
Heart failure treatments often depend on the cause. The treatment options include lifestyle modifications, medicines, and surgery to open blocked arteries or to place a device to help the heart work better. If these symptoms persist, book an appointment with our expert Cardiology Doctor in Broadway, Kolkata.
Prevention of Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can be prevented by reducing cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle changes such as modifying dietary patterns and practising regular exercise. There are three types of congestive heart failure preventive measures:
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The primordial prevention process involves preventing risk factors that gradually cause heart failure, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, and ultimately cardiovascular events.
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Primary prevention aims at preventing congestive heart failure in individuals who develop cardiovascular risk factors.
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Finally, secondary prevention is aimed at preventing a second heart attack or stroke, halting the progression of heart disease, and preventing early mortality.
The Top 4 Diets to Prevent Heart Failure
Choosing an appropriate diet will help to preserve heart health. Practising good dietary habits will help in yielding health rewards like weight loss, normalising high cholesterol, and improving blood pressure to enhance the heart’s health. The top 4 heart failure diet include:
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Plenty of fruits and vegetables
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Foods made with whole grains
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Healthy sources of protein, such as legumes, nuts, fish, meat, and low-fat dairy products
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Instead of using tropical oils, use liquid plant oils.
Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Studies show that dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, except white potatoes, are associated with a reduced risk of CVD. Deeply coloured fruits and vegetables, like leafy greens and peaches, are known to contain more nutrients than light and white-coloured fruits and vegetables. Consumption of juices is not preferred, as whole fruits and vegetables provide more dietary fibre and satiety. Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried forms of fruits and vegetables can be incorporated into dietary patterns, but limit the addition of salt and sugar.
Foods Made with Whole Grains
There are favourable associations between regular intake of foods made with whole grains and CVD risk, coronary heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Whole grains are known to be the richest source of fibre. Avoid the consumption of refined grains because the replacement of whole grains with refined grains increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
Healthy Sources of Protein
The healthy sources of protein that are included in the diet to prevent congestive heart failure include the following:
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The protein from plants such as legumes and nuts
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Fish and seafood (2 to 3 servings of fish per week lowers the CVD risk)
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Low-fat or fat-free dairy products are preferred instead of full-fat dairy products
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If meat or poultry are desired, avoid processed forms and choose lean cuts
Use Liquid Plant Oils Rather than Tropical Oils
The cardioprotective effects, such as reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower CVD risks, are obtained from unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats, rather than monounsaturated fats. Major dietary sources of polyunsaturated fat are plant oils like soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower oils, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Conclusion
Individuals should strictly adhere to healthy dietary patterns to obtain optimal cardiovascular health. It is essential to start these habits in early childhood and maintain them throughout life. Therefore, take control of your heart health today. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about their heart functions, don't wait. Schedule a consultation at our Cardiology Hospital in Broadway, Kolkata. At Manipal Hospitals, we understand the significance of empowering patients with knowledge about their food habits to improve the patient’s quality of life. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
There are some conditions and factors that increase your chances of getting congestive heart failure. These are:
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Coronary artery disease
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High blood pressure
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Heart valve disease
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Cardiomyopathy
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Congenital heart defects
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Previous heart attacks
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Ageing
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Obesity
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Diabetes
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Smoking and alcohol consumption
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Living a sedentary lifestyle
Seek an appointment with a cardiologist who will perform a physical examination, assess your medical history, and order certain diagnostic tests to assess heart function. These include an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), an electrocardiogram (ECG), a chest X-ray, and blood tests. Sometimes cardiac catheterisation or stress tests may also be recommended.
The treatment for congestive heart failure focuses on managing its symptoms, improving heart function, and preventing further complications. The common treatment options used are lifestyle modifications, medications, cardiac rehabilitation, and, in certain cases, surgical interventions like Coronary Artery Bypass grafting (CABG) or Heart Valve Repair and Replacement.
No, though both are cardiovascular diseases, they are different. In a heart attack, the blood flow to the heart gets blocked, leading to further damage to the heart muscles. While, in cases of congestive heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood gets affected, it may be caused by other heart conditions.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Cardiology department or visit our website.
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