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Heart failure is a severe medical condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood. Despite its alarming name, heart failure doesn't mean that your heart has stopped. It means that your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. Recognizing heart failure's causes, symptoms, and treatment may help in better managing the disease.
In this article, you'll learn about:
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Causes & Symptoms of Heart Failure
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Effective Treatment for Heart Failure
Keep reading to know more!
Synopsis
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when the heart doesn't work properly. In this condition, blood gets stuck, and fluids build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. The best approach to prevent heart failure is to prevent and carefully manage the conditions that lead to congestive heart failure.
Causes of Heart Failure
Here are some of the most common causes of heart failure
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common cause of heart failure. It limits the blood supply in arteries and results when the heart muscle becomes narrowed by fatty deposits.
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High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs. Unmanaged BP for a long time can increase the risk of heart failure.
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Heart Attack: A heart attack is a common cause of congestive heart failure. An unexpected blockage of a coronary artery stops the heart's blood flow. It may result in cardiac issues.
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Cardiomyopathy: These conditions affect your heart muscle. It is typically triggered due to infection, inflammation, chronic alcohol use, diabetes, etc.
Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms
Heart failure symptoms might vary; however, some common ones are outlined below:
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Fatigue
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Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet.
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Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
Consult our cardiologist in Bangalore if you are experiencing the above heart failure symptoms.
Risk Factors for Developing Heart Failure
The risk elements of heart failure include:
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Age
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Consuming tobacco, or alcohol.
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Suffering from coronary artery disease
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Following an inactive lifestyle.
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Eating foods which contain a lot of salt and fat
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Having elevated blood pressure
Diagnosis & Treatment of Heart Failure
Your cardiologist may advise you on customized treatments aiming to manage symptoms and improve your overall general health. Making some lifestyle changes may significantly slow the progression of the disease.
Consult our cardiology hospital in Bangalore if you need heart failure treatments.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Risk Factors and Promote Heart Health
Consume a well-balanced diet.
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It is recommended to follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet. It consists of whole grains and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
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Consuming too much salt will raise your blood pressure, so keep your intake to no more than 6g each day.
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Fat comes in two kinds: unsaturated and saturated. Saturated fats raise blood levels of harmful cholesterol; therefore, you should stay away from foods that contain them. Saturated fat-rich foods include - meat pies, and fatty meat portions, butter, ghee, cream, hard cheese, cakes and biscuits, foods made using palm oil.
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A diet high in sugar has also been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, which has additionally been proved to raise the risk of coronary heart disease.
Increase your level of physical activity
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The greatest strategy to keep your weight in check is to combine regular exercise with a balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of high blood pressure and aids in heart failure prevention.
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Frequent exercise lowers cholesterol, maintains healthy blood pressure, and improves the effectiveness of your heart and blood circulation system.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is another small lifestyle change that can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Smoking increases Atherosclerosis, or the thickening of the arteries. It prevents blood cells from moving and contributes to heart failure conditions.
Manage your blood pressure
Uncontrolled BP is the main cause of heart conditions. However, by maintaining a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and taking medication, we can maintain it under control.
Conclusion
Heart failure disease is a serious medical condition but by improving quality of life and following precise treatments, you can manage its symptoms to a large extent. Early diagnosis and therapy are critical in controlling heart failure and avoiding consequences. Many people with heart failure can have active, satisfying lives if they receive the proper care
FAQ's
A heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood sufficiently well. Your cardiac muscle remains functional. However, because it is unable to manage the normal volume of blood, blood accumulates in other areas of your body. It typically gathers in your legs, and lungs.
The following are signs of heart failure
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Breathlessness
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Inability to lie down flat or wake up in night due to heavy breathing.
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Chest Pain
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Increased weight
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Palpitations
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Swelling in the legs, and ankles
Common factors that can contribute to congestive heart failure, include:
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Coronary artery disease
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Angina.
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Congenital cardiac disease (Heart problems present from birth).
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Diabetes.
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Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension.
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Renal illness.
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High BMI
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