Facts About Heart Failure by Dr. Narayan Gadkar, Consultant Cardiologist, Zen Multispecialty Hospital
Do you often encounter a rapid irregular heartbeat? Is that constant chest pain bothering you? Do you find it difficult to concentrate on your work owing to the fatigue and weakness? Then, you may be at the risk of heart failure. Here’s all you need to know about it. Read on!
Did Do you know? Heart failure, also known as
congestive heart failure, tends to occur when one’s heart muscle fails to pump
enough blood as it should. Are you aware? There are certain conditions such as
narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or hypertension which
may take a toll on your heart by making it weak or still to fill, and pump
blood efficiently.
Moreover, you must also know that not all
conditions that cause heart failure can be reversed. But the good news is that
tackling at the right time may help improve the symptoms, and quality of life
of the person. Likewise, certain lifestyle modifications like staying
physically fit; reducing the sodium intake, battling the bulge and dealing with
stress can do the trick.
Below are the symptoms of heart failure that you
shouldn’t ignore
You will be shocked to know that heart failure
can be ongoing that is chronic or it can occur suddenly that is acute. Hence,
take notice of symptoms like fatigue, weakness, swelling (edema) in legs, ankle
and feet, rapid irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, inability to
exercise, abdominal swelling, lack of appetite and nausea, persistent cough or
wheezing, frequent night-time urination, difficulty in concentration and
staying alert, and chest pain. Once you exhibit the symptoms then you must
immediately consult your doctor who will advise you a proper treatment. Do not self-diagnose.
Are you aware of these causes of heart failure?
Heart failure can be caused owing to coronary
artery disease that tends to occur because of the narrowing of the arteries
which supply blood and oxygen to your ticker. Furthermore, there are other
conditions like cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart defect, heart valve disease,
high blood pressure, anaemia, diabetes, or a certain type of arrhythmias can
raise one’s risk of heart failure.
How can it be diagnosed?
An echocardiogram is one of the most effective
ways to diagnose heart failure. Likewise, your doctor will also carry out other
tests like performing a physical exam on you to look out for the symptoms of
heart failure. If there is a leg swelling or irregular heartbeat then your doctor
will suspect heart failure, immediately. This will allow him to advise you the
right kind of treatment.
Treatment for heart failure
The treatment will help you enhance the quality
of life. At the early stages, heart failure can be treated with the help of
medications. The medications can help enhance the heart’s ability to pump
blood, reduce blood clots and cholesterol levels and heart rate. Avoid
self-medication as it can be risky. Furthermore, one can opt for surgery as
well. Coronary bypass surgery can be an option. Likewise, your doctor may also
advise you to go for an angioplasty.
Follow these preventive measures
You will have to make some lifestyle
modification in order to lower your risk of heart failure. Avoid smoking and
alcohol as that can put a strain on your heart, tackling conditions like high
blood pressure and diabetes is the need of the hour, maintain a healthy weight,
and try to de-stress yourself by opting for relaxation techniques like
meditation. Stick to a healthy diet and fitness regime. Say no to the foods
that are loaded with fat, and follow a proper sleep schedule.
