Heart Failure: The Silent Epidemic You Need to Know About

November 25, 2024

Often called a silent epidemic, heart failure afflicts millions globally, including many in India. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscles fail to pump blood properly through the body. At times, when this happens, it can cause blood to back up into the lungs,causing fluid build-up leading to shortness of breath. However, even though it is one of the most common heart conditions, it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-diagnosed conditions. We at Apollo Hospitals provide cutting-edge therapies to assist patients in managing and enhancing their quality of life because we recognise how severe heart failure is.

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition characterised by the inability of the heart to pump blood adequately. The pumping of blood by the heart is the most basic function in heart failure. Nevertheless, the pump is incompetent in circulating oxygen-rich blood in the body. This eventually leads to the accumulation of fluids in different parts of the body, including the abdomen and lungs, and some of these are major health issues. Many people assume that heart failure happens suddenly, but it’s often a slow process. Over time, the heart becomes less efficient, leading to noticeable symptoms.

Heart failure is a "silent epidemic", as most patients will live with undiagnosed disease.Symptoms progress slowly and are often mistaken for simply being a part of ageing or minor health issues. However, this typically translates to the worst possible health
outcomes. So, awareness is the key. The sooner Congestive Heart Failure can be identified, the greater the prospect for good management and avoidance of potentially severe complications from a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure symptoms can indicate a number of consequences, and the severity of a patient's symptoms dictates the type of complication that will arise. Thus, some of the symptoms are:

● Shortness of Breath: Even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs can leave you breathless.
●Fatigue: It is that state of tiredness that does not go by resting.
● Swelling: Fluid retention in the ankles, feet, or abdominal area is common.
●Persistent Coughing or Wheezing: This happens because of the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
●Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: You could feel that your heart is pounding or even racing while you are resting.

If you find any of these symptoms, consult a cardiologist to confirm whether you are suffering from heart failure.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure has several causes that can lead to damage to the heart muscle, which fail to pump blood as required. Some of the most common causes include:

●Coronary Artery Disease:The reduction of blood supply to the heart tissue because the arteries supplying blood are blocked or narrowed.
●High Blood Pressure: Makes the heart work extra hard to pump blood, hence weakening the cardiac muscle.
●Heart Attack: A heart attack leads to scarring in the heart muscle, thus making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
● Diabetes: This disease may cause the patient to suffer from a heart disorder,which, therefore leads to failure.
●Valvular Heart Disease: It is a disease/damage to heart valve; which disrupts the movement of blood flow, and this progresses to cause heart failure.

The understanding of these risk factors allows a person to take the right preventive measures.

Risk Factors You Should Know

Certain factors put you at higher risk of experiencing heart failure. The most prominent key risks include:

●Age: It is simply the case that the older you are, the higher your risk.
●Lifestyle Habits: A history of poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and even excessive alcohol consumption all raise a person’s risk for developing heart failure.
●Family History: Genetics can play a role in determining your risk.
●Obesity: Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart.
●Heart Attack or Stroke History: Anybody who has ever been a victim of a heart attack or stroke will have high risk of heart failure with time.

Being aware of these risk factors allows you to take action to protect your heart health.

Heart Failure Diagnosis

Heart failure diagnosis employs a number of tests that help assess the degree of the symptoms and its underlying cause. At Apollo Hospitals, our highly skilled cardiologists will utilise advanced diagnostic tools that include:

●Echocardiogram: This ultrasound scan allows for the assessment of the heart’s pumping ability.
●Electrocardiogram (ECG): In an ECG, the physician records the electrical activity of the heart. They can, hence, pinpoint any anomalies.
●Chest X-ray: This measures the size of the heart and any fluid accumulation in the lungs.
●Blood Tests: Specific biomarkers can be strong markers of heart failure. Doctors can thus tailor treatment accordingly.
●Stress Test: Doctors can measure the heart’s performance by recording its functioning during exercise.

Early diagnosis is critical for effective management of heart failure.

Treatment for Heart Failure

Although heart failure is a chronic illness, most individuals may lead active lives as long as they receive the right treatment. Medication and lifestyle modifications are common components of treatment:

●Medications: Medications given by the doctors should enhance the heart’s performance, prevent fluid build-up, and treat symptoms. These include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.
●Implantable Devices: Pacemakers or implantable defibrillators (ICDs) are used to regulate heartbeats or prevent sudden cardiac death.
●Surgery: In selected cases, surgery like coronary bypass or valve repair might be necessary to improve heart function.
●Cardiac Rehabilitation: Patients are made to participate in monitored physical activity. They are then educated regarding a heart-healthy lifestyle that they should engage in for speedy recovery and avoid frequent hospital readmissions.

Apollo Hospitals provides treatments that consist of the most extensive array of treatments to manage heart failure and have patients treated with world-class cardiac care.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Heart Failure

Lifestyle changes are very important to control heart failure and prevent its progression. Some of the most important changes are as follows:

●Reducing salt intake can help lower fluid build-up. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
●Increased exercise may help to strengthen the heart and enhance blood circulation. If you intend to begin an exercise regimen, it is usually recommended that you speak with your doctor beforehand.
●Smoking damages blood vessels, while excessive alcohol strains the heart. So abstaining from both is important
●Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga or meditation, as being stressed may reduce your heart health.
●Being obese is also another risk for heart failure; thus, a healthy weight can also relieve pressure from your heart.

Improving these areas may help at risk patients to delay the onsite of heart failure and live a long and symptom free life. patients slow the pace of heart failure and contribute to bettering their overall conditions.

Conclusion

Heart failure may be a silent epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be ignored. With recognition of the early symptoms and through risk factor management and lifestyle changes, one can take over the reins of his heart health. Apollo Hospitals provides integrated care for patients diagnosed with heart failure, helping them lead healthier and longer lives. Proper care & treatment are essential in managing heart failure.