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Symptoms And Causes Of Heart Failure And Life After HF

When people hear about heart failure, they tend to think that the ticker has stopped working which isn’t the case. The term “heart failure” (HF) means that the ticker isn’t pumping at the capacity required to meet the body’s need for oxygenated blood. The ticker, to make up for its inability to supply the body, does three things- it enlarges, pumps faster and builds more muscle mass. Although these measures initially mask the effects of HF, the problem doesn’t get resolved, and eventually HF will worsen as the ticker makes up by taking these measures.


HF Symptoms:
Shortness of breath; difficulty breathing while lying down; weight gain; feeling fatigued or weak; swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach- are common symptoms of HF. Note down if you are suspicious that you are having symptoms of HF so that you are able to discuss it with your doctor.

HF Causes:
HF causes can vary, and most often it results from other conditions that have weakened or damaged a person’s ticker. The condition also occurs if the heart ventricles (lower chambers) become too stiff which, as time will progress make the ticker incapable to keep up with the body’s demands to pump blood. You may have heard about “congestive heart failure” (CHF), which is a form of HF caused by the blood backing up or “congesting” into other organs like the lungs, abdomen, liver, or into someone’s lower extremities. Faulty heart valves, high blood pressure (HBP), coronary artery disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction- MI), heart defects, abnormal heart rhythms, damage to the heart muscle- are a variety of health conditions that can weaken someone’s ticker and lead to HF.

Tips to live life after HF:

Yes, you read that right- there is life after HF. HF treatment on an early diagnosis can help those affected with it live longer and a more active lifestyle. Remember that the treatment varies depending on the type and severity of one’s HF.

1.      Your doctor, based on the type of HF that has developed, will prescribe medication, such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, digoxin and angiotensin receptor blockers. It is very important to take medications as prescribed in order to stay in the best health possible. Skipping does, changing the amount of medication (unless been asked to do) are a big NO.

2.      Leading a more heart-healthy life is an important aspect of an individual’s HF treatment, including eating a healthy diet comprising foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish), legumes, vegetables and whole grains, and increasing your activity level (do talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise regime).

3.      A medical procedure might be necessary if your HF has worsened even after healthy lifestyle changes and with medications. Medical procedures include implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device near the ticker, or one may require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator near the ticker.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by getting CPR trained today at an accredited training site, such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa. 

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