Heart failure is a condition when the heart is unable to pump blood properly as per the body’s needs. This does not mean that the heart stops working completely, but its capacity becomes weak. This problem develops gradually and can become serious over time. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or pre-existing heart disease are at greater risk.
Apart from this, wrong eating habits, smoking, excess Tension And lack of physical activity can also increase the risk. Its risk also increases with increasing age, hence the elderly need to take special care. If this situation is understood in time, it can be controlled to a great extent. Let us know what are the causes and symptoms of heart failure and how it can be prevented.
Why does heart failure occur?
Dr. Ajit Jain in the Cardiology Department at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital. It is said that many reasons can be responsible for heart failure. Having high blood pressure for a long time puts more pressure on the heart, which can weaken its capacity. Weakening of the heart muscles, damage to the heart after a heart attack or valve problems can also cause this.
Diseases like diabetes and thyroid also affect the functioning of the heart. Apart from this, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and lack of exercise also increase the risk. If these reasons are not taken care of, heart failure may gradually develop.
What symptoms appear before heart failure?
Before heart failure, the body gives some signals, which should not be ignored such as feeling tired quickly, difficulty in breathing, especially while walking or climbing stairs, swelling in feet and ankles and frequent cough or shortness of breath.
Some people may feel a fast or abnormal heartbeat. Difficulty breathing while lying down at night can also be a sign. If such symptoms appear again and again, it is important to immediately consult a doctor.
how to protect
To prevent heart failure, it is most important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Taking a balanced diet, consuming less salt and oily food and doing regular exercise helps in keeping the heart healthy. It is also important to stay away from smoking and alcohol.
Apart from this, keeping stress low and getting adequate sleep is also beneficial for heart health. Getting health checkups done from time to time and not ignoring any symptoms helps in reducing the risk of heart failure.