At Hope & Grace Cardiac Centre, we believe that knowledge is the first step towards a healthy heart. Today, we delve into a topic that affects millions worldwide: heart failure. Let’s shed light on this condition, its causes, symptoms, and how you can manage it to lead a heart-healthy life.
Contrary to what the name suggests, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart suddenly stops working. Instead, it’s a chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, either because it’s weakened or stiffened.
Common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease which is the most prevalent cause.
Other causes include hypertension, cardiomyopathy, valvular disorders, and congenital heart defects.
Heart failure can manifest in various ways, including:
– Shortness of breath: Especially during physical activity or when lying down
– Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, even with minimal exertion
– Swelling: In the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen due to fluid retention
– Rapid or irregular heartbeat
– Persistent cough: Often with white or pink-tinged frothy sputum
The good news is that heart failure is manageable, and its progression can be slowed.
At Hope & Grace Cardiac Centre, we emphasize the following approaches:
1. Medications: Doctors may prescribe drugs to strengthen the heart’s contractions, reduce fluid retention, or control blood pressure.
2. Lifestyle Changes: This includes a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise (as recommended by your healthcare provider), and quitting smoking.
3. Salt & fluid restriction as recommended by your doctor.
4. Monitoring: Regular check-ups are crucial to track your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
5. Surgery: Surgical interventions, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart valve repair/replacement, may be necessary.
Please remember that prevention is always better than cure. To reduce your risk of heart failure:
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
– Exercise regularly.
– Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Limit alcohol intake.
– Manage stress.
Remember, early detection and intervention are crucial in managing heart failure effectively. If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms or have risk factors, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
At Hope & Grace Cardiac Centre, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care, education, and support to help you achieve and maintain a healthy heart. Together, we can overcome the challenges of heart failure and ensure a brighter, heart-healthy future.