Introduction
One undoubtedly experiences a mixture of fear and panic both when they hear the words “heart failure.” Heart failure is a condition in which the heart fails to pump adequate blood. Every other region of the body cannot receive enough blood if the heart weakens. That said, you can still live well with heart failure even if it is a serious chronic condition.
Besides, many clinical research institutes near you in Texas and Michigan are conducting multiple cardiology clinical trials that might be beneficial in discovering a potential treatment option. In this blog, you can expect to learn what heart failure is, its causes, and possible symptom management techniques.
What is Heart Failure?
When it comes to the heart, a healthy one pumps oxygen and nutrient blood to all areas of the body. However, with heart failure, the heart muscles would not be strong enough to pump blood properly, thus, preventing it from circulating enough blood to other organs and tissues.
Heart failure is a progressive disorder meaning it can get worse with time if not treated. In the early stage of heart failure, the heart may stretch more so that it can pump more blood. As a result of which, the blood vessels become narrower to keep up with the blood pressure. While these structural changes may be accommodating to help the heart keep up with its function; it leaves the enlarged and the heart condition even worse. Due to this, most people start to experience shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, fatigue, pain, or swelling in the abdomen.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure can be a result of many chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cholesterol.
The other causes include family history, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, endocrine, and other nutritional causes. It can also show up after an injury or damage to the heart, such as a blood clot or a heart attack. Let’s get into the details of the possible symptoms associated with heart failure.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure?
Knowing the symptoms of heart failure can be very valuable. With the help of early diagnosis and treatment, individuals with heart failure can live a healthy life. Individuals with this condition may experience swelling in their legs, ankles, and feet. They may also experience water building up in other regions of the body. For instance, water builds up in the abdomen, which can result in nausea or a reduced appetite. Afflicted individuals may also gain 20 to 50 pounds over a month.
Other visible symptoms of heart failure that one might experience:
- Constant fatigue and exhaustion
- Heart palpitations
- Lightheadedness and feeling of dizziness
- Confusion
However, it is crucial to realize that symptoms might vary in each individual. It is best to consult a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis of Heart Failure
If you are suspect any symptoms, you may consult your healthcare provider at the earliest. Furthermore, your consultant might look for possible signs of heart failure by recognizing:
- Swelling of the legs
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Swelling of the liver or abdomen
- Abnormal heart sounds
- Sounds from fluid buildup in your lungs
Devices and Surgeries for Heart Failure
The devices and surgeries that are recommended for the patients with heart failure include:
- Coronary Bypass Surgery: It is also known as angioplasty. This may help provide blood supply to the damaged or affected heart muscle of the body.
- Heart Valve Surgery: This type of surgery is usually suggested when certain changes, particularly in the valves, could result in heart failure.
- Pacemaker: This serves as an effective method to treat slow heart thus helping both sides of your heart to contract simultaneously.
- Defibrillator: A defibrillator sends electrical pulse to stop abnormal heart rhythms.
Now let’s get into the details of implementing various changes in one’s lifestyle.
Implement Changes in Your Lifestyles
Despite the failure, certain changes can indeed be implemented to foster maximum well-being for your heart. To truly embrace change and lessen symptoms, you may start by:
- Quitting Smoking: Being an active smoker, if you can take the crucial step to quit smoking completely, you can significantly reduce cardiovascular strain and the progression of heart failure.
- Reducing Weight: Excessive weight can be harmful to health. Therefore, shedding some extra pounds can ease the pressure on the heart, thus, positively impacting and promoting cardiovascular well-being and functionality as well.
- Monitoring Fluid Intake: Tracking regular fluid intake is an important tip to effectively manage fluid retention, which may reduce pressure on the heart and improve circulation.
- Limiting Caffeine & Alcohol: If you successfully manage to reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, this may result in minimizing potential heart stressors and ultimately embracing the path towards a healthier lifestyle.
- Consuming Healthy Food: Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products positively supports heart health. Hence, it is suggested to consume a healthy diet to avoid any complications in the future.
- Managing Stress: Implementing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, can effectively help reduce emotional strain on the heart. Besides, regular exercise can also boost cardiovascular health, resulting in an improved quality of life.
- Getting Quality Sleep: Ensure getting sufficient and quality sleep since it allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, leading to overall management of heart failure symptoms.
End-stage of Heart Failure
It is essential to identify symptoms in its early stages and to begin treatment right away. Nevertheless, some treatments may work in crucial times:
- Left or right ventricular assist device also known as LVAD
- Total artificial heart
- Intra-aortic balloon pump or IABP
Even though these can be some potential recommendations, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Conclusion
To conclude, heart failure occurs when the blood fails to flow through the heart properly, resulting in the accumulation of blood in certain regions. It is a result of chronic conditions that can make the blood vessels or heart too stiff or weak. Moreover, modifying lifestyle and opting for appropriate treatment can improve the symptoms for the better. This includes increasing your physical activity, managing your stress levels, and limiting your caffeine and consumption of unhealthy foods. You can choose to stick to these recommendations to avoid progressing to the final stage. It is essential to realize that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope.
By participating in heart failure clinical trials happening near you in the US, you might be able to better manage your symptoms and impact millions of lives.
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