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Even when you are resting, a persistent cough or sudden breathlessness can be an indication that your heart is not working as hard as it should. Credit: Zmaster/Shutterstock
It can be very unsettling to receive a heart failure diagnosis, but gaining an understanding of this common cardiovascular disorder is the first step in reclaiming your own health. Many people associate heart failure with an emergency medical situation, but the best way to manage it is by recognizing early symptoms such as chronic fatigue and fluid retention. Millions of people are able to manage their chronic condition by combining the latest medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
The words heart failure Can sound terrifying. Many people think that their heart has stopped suddenly or is about give up. Both are not true. The heart fails to pump blood as efficiently as it used to. This is a serious disease, but it can be successfully managed with the right treatments, healthy lifestyles, and regular medical attention.
Heart failure is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. However, many still lead active, full lives. It is important to recognise the symptoms and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
What is heart failure, and how does it occur?
Your heart is a powerful muscle. It pumps blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients, to all parts of your body each minute. It has to work more to keep the heart healthy when it is stiff or weak. In turn, organs and tissue may not be receiving enough oxygenated blood. Fluid can also build up in the legs or lungs.
Heart failure typically develops over time, not suddenly. It is usually the result other conditions that have damaged or overworked your heart over time.
Heart failure is caused by a variety of factors, including coronary heart disease and previous heart attacks. Other causes include high blood pressure, damaged valves, abnormal rhythms in the heart, diabetes, obesity, as well as certain infections affecting the heart muscle. Heart failure is becoming more common as people live longer, and are able to survive conditions like heart attacks which were once fatal.
Breathlessness, fatigue and fluid retention are warning signs.
Heart failure symptoms can be difficult to detect because they often appear slowly. Many people assume that they are simply getting older or less fit.
Breathlessness is the most common symptom. This may occur only during exercise, when climbing stairs or while walking uphill. Some people may experience shortness of breath even while lying down or resting.
A persistent feeling of fatigue is another symptom. Even simple tasks like shopping, gardening or even walking your dog, may feel more challenging than usual.
The weakened heart is also prone to fluid retention. Swollen ankles or feet can occur, as well as swelling in the legs and abdomen. Shoes can feel tighter, rings may be difficult to remove and weight may increase quickly in just a few short days.
Other symptoms may include a persistent, dry cough, wheezing or loss of appetite. They can also be dizzy, have a racing pulse, or wake up in the middle of the night to struggle to breathe.
The symptoms of these conditions are not to be ignored. Early diagnosis allows the treatment to start before the condition worsens.
What tests should you expect to diagnose heart failure?
Before conducting an exam, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history.
A number of tests may be ordered. Blood tests can detect substances released by the heart when it is under stress. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity, while an echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan of the heart – shows how well the heart muscle is pumping and whether the valves are working properly.
Sometimes, additional tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans may be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause.
Advanced medical treatment: medication and cardiac devices
Although there is no cure for the majority of heart failures, treatments have improved tremendously in recent years. After diagnosis, many people live with good health for many years.
Usually, medication is the first step. Different medicines can help the heart pump better, lower blood pressure and reduce fluid accumulation, as well as decrease strain on the muscle. Doctors use a combination of medicines that work in different ways on the heart.
Some people can benefit from implanted devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. They may improve their heart function or even prevent dangerous heartrhythms. Some patients may need surgery to repair their heart valves, or in rare cases a heart transplant.
Changes in daily lifestyle: Diet, exercise and heart health
Medical treatment is most effective when combined with healthy living habits.
A balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables and whole grains as well as lean proteins, healthy fats, and lean protein is important for cardiovascular health. It is important to reduce salt intake because it encourages the body’s fluid retention, which makes the heart work harder.
Regular physical exercise is also beneficial. Exercise can be harmful to a heart that is already weak, but supervised exercise actually improves fitness and reduces symptoms. It also boosts confidence. Even gentle walking can make a real difference.
Smoking is one of the biggest threats to heart health. Smoking damages blood vessel walls, raises blood-pressure, and reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. Maintaining a healthy body weight and limiting alcohol can reduce the strain on the heart.
Monitoring fluid retention and managing your symptoms
Heart failure patients often learn to recognize changes in their bodies.
Many medical professionals advise that you weigh yourself every morning. An increase in weight of 2 or 3 kilograms within a few short days may indicate fluid retention, before swelling is evident. Reporting early changes can allow for treatment adjustments and reduce the need for hospital admission.
As important as noticing symptoms like increasing breathlessness or swollen feet, it is useful to note any unusual fatigue.
Emotional wellbeing and support systems
Heart failure is a serious condition that affects more than just physical health. It’s perfectly normal to be worried, frustrated, and uncertain about the future.
Support from friends, family, healthcare professionals and patient support groups makes a big difference. Many hospitals offer cardiac rehab programmes that combine exercise, education and emotional support. This helps people gain confidence and manage the condition better.
Understanding the condition reduces anxiety, and allows people to take greater control of their health.
Rapid advances in heart research: Hope for the Future
Research into heart failure is moving forward rapidly. Over the last decade, new medications have improved survival rates and quality of living for many patients. Wearable technology and remote monitor systems are being used by doctors to detect problems sooner and tailor treatments more precisely.
Scientists are exploring exciting new approaches including regenerative therapy, personalised medicine and artificial intelligence. All of these could transform healthcare in the future.
Understanding long-term perspectives
Heart failure is common, but that does not mean life has to stop. Early diagnosis, modern treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices allow many people to continue working, traveling, spending time with their loved ones, or enjoying the activities they enjoy most.
The main message is to not dismiss persistent breathing problems, unusual fatigue or swelling simply as “getting older”. These symptoms deserve medical attention. Early diagnosis of heart failure can help reduce symptoms and protect the heart. It also helps people live healthier and longer lives.
Heart failure may be a lifelong condition, but thanks to remarkable advances in medicine and greater public awareness, it is increasingly becoming a condition that can be managed – not one that defines a person’s future.
This column contains information for educational purposes and is not intended to be medical advice. This column is not intended to replace a professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, always seek out the advice of a qualified physician.
Dr Marcus Stephan
