Heart failure, often called congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should. It might sound frightening, but it doesn't mean that your heart has stopped working. It simply signifies that your heart is not as efficient in pumping blood as it needs to be to meet your body's demands.
There are two main types of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure transpires when the heart cannot pump enough blood out to the rest of the body. On the other hand, diastolic heart failure develops when the heart's ventricles cannot fill with blood properly due to stiffness, resulting in inadequate blood pumped out to the body.
Key underlying causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, obesity, lack of physical activity, and a diet high in fat and cholesterol also contribute to its onset. Surprisingly, heart failure can strike even those without any known cardiac risk factors.
Symptoms of heart failure commonly include fatigue and weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, diminished exercise tolerance, persistent cough or wheezing, swelling in the feet, ankles, legs and sometimes abdomen, increased need to urinate at night, or a change in mental status such as confusion or lack of focus.
Early diagnosis and intervention are pivotal in managing heart failure. Once it develops, treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, minimizing symptoms, improving quality of life, and reducing the risk of a sudden cardiac event or other complications. The journey often starts with lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, limiting salt and fluid intake, engaging in regular physical activity, abstaining from smoking or drinking excessively, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medications may be prescribed to decrease fluid build-up, control high blood pressure, or improve heart function. In some severe cases, devices such as heart pumps, pacemakers, and defibrillators can be implanted, and sometimes, a heart transplant might be a recommended course of action.
It's vital to remember that while heart failure is a serious condition, many people with this diagnosis lead fulfilling, active lives by effectively managing their condition and working closely with their healthcare team.
The potential severity of heart failure underscores the importance of prioritizing heart health at every stage of life. Regular routine check-ups, a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and reducing stress can go a long way in preventing this condition and the complications associated with it. Don't wait until it's too late - start taking simple steps towards a healthier heart today.