Heart Failure Prevention

Heart failure happens when your heart muscles are unable to pump blood as much as it should. The condition is precipitated by several factors, including narrowed arteries (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure.

Are there other causes of heart failure?

Bacteria and fungus infections in the heart muscles (cardiomyopathy) and other genetic issues (congenital heart disease) can cause heart failure. Myocarditis that is usually caused by virus infection is also a factor that can lead to heart failure. Heart attack or myocardial infarction can either lead to heart failure or vice versa – that is: heart failure can also lead to heart attack. Conditions that overwork the heart, like kidney disease, thyroid problems, heart valve problems, rheumatic heart disease (rheumatic fever), and diabetes can also lead to heart failure. Too much alcohol, dangerous drugs use, and heavy smoking are either precipitating or aggravating factors in heart failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure?

Heart failure can be a sudden event (acute) or a long-standing (chronic) condition. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion and even at rest. Sudden onset of difficulty of breathing accompanied by sweating that suddenly wakes you up at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea) can be a sign of chronic heart failure. Feeling of weakness and fatigue because of decrease oxygenated blood to the brain and tissues are symptoms of a failing heart. People with heart failure feel irregular heartbeat or rapid heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Your kidneys react by causing your body to hold on water and salt. Fluid may start to build up in your ankles, legs, and other organs. This is also called edema that is one of the cardinal signs of a failing heart. Other symptoms include heavy coughing and chest pains, although these are also present in other disease conditions.

When do you need to see your doctor?

If you suffer from the above-enumerated signs and symptoms, it’s time for you to see your doctor. Your doctor will get your medical history and will request for examinations to verify the presence or absence of heart failure.

Prevention

Precipitating and aggravating factors that can lead to heart failure should be conscientiously addressed: Control your blood pressure; take medicines that can control coronary artery disease. Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat healthy foods. Lifestyle changes: don’t smoke, limit or avoid alcohol, reduce stress, reduce sweets, fatty foods, and salt, and engage in a regular exercise – stay physically active.