What is Heart Failure?

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Whenever you hear the phrase “heart failure,” you may be thinking that the heart is going to stop at any time. Heart failure basically means that your heart is not pumping blood, possibly because it is not appropriately filling with blood and/or it does not have sufficient pressure to pump blood from the heart completely. What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure?

As opposed to a heart attack, heart failure does not occur out of the blue. It is caused by a long period of time when the heart eventually weakens. It could involve just one side of the heart or the two sides.

If it is affecting the right side of the heart, it has an effect on how blood is pumped into the lungs. Heart failure on this part causes your body to retain fluid in the feet and hands along with a number of internal organs such as the liver.

The left side of the heart regulates how blood is pumped out to all the other body parts. Heart failure on this side of the heart produces excessive tiredness and shortness of breath. In some instances, heart failure can take place on both sides and all of these signs and symptoms are mixed together.

Signs of heart failure. Image from Wikipedia.

Individuals who have hypertension, have experienced a heart attack, or have an enlarged heart are at an increased risk for heart failure. Diabetes and heart murmurs are likewise risk factors for heart failure.

Treatment for Heart Failure

If you have a family background of this ailment, you have to make certain your doctor is aware so that you could be screened on a regular basis. It’s vital that you get diagnosed as soon as possible so that treatment solutions are still effective. Treatment consists of medication, dietary changes, and physical exercise.

Lots of people who are identified as having heart failure live quite a long time. There are changes in lifestyle including reducing the sodium in what you eat, doing exercises, taking prescription medications, and going to your personal doctor regularly.

You need to to keep track of your weight every day and consult with your doctor concerning any significant adjustments. This can indicate a fluid build up within the body. Heart failure is now more prevalent in America as folks are having heart attacks at an increased rate.

A heart attack may make your heart weakened and not able to perform at its original stage. Thankfully, with good medical treatment, it is possible to live for years with heart failure and still have a high quality of existence. If you are identified as having heart failure, there is no reason to freak out or worry. This does not mean that your heart will stop beating instantly. It just shows that it is weak.