Heart failure – a common disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Famous victims of the disease include actors Sidney Poitier and Nichelle Nichols.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to Newsyou.
Why does heart failure occur?
The disease develops when the heart becomes unable to pump blood properly. The main risk factors include:
-smoking and unhealthy diet;
-sedentary lifestyle;
-alcohol or drug use;
-age (the risk is higher in older people).
What to look out for?
If you or someone close to you experiences the following symptoms, it may indicate heart failure:
Shortness of breath
Frequent difficulty breathing may occur during physical activity, at rest, or even during sleep. Sometimes only an upright position brings relief. In severe cases, restlessness, coughing up blood or pinkish mucus are possible.
Swelling of the legs and feet
Fluid accumulation due to weakened heart function often manifests itself as swelling in the lower extremities or bloating. This is due to kidney dysfunction, which is unable to remove excess water and sodium.
Rapid heartbeat and chest pain
The body tries to compensate for the weakness of the heart by speeding up its work, which can lead to an irregular rhythm, chest pain and even fainting.
Chronic fatigue
A decrease in energy is associated with a redistribution of blood: the body directs it mainly to the brain and heart, leaving the muscles and other organs with a deficit. It also causes problems with concentration and attention.
Loss of appetite and nausea
Some patients lose their appetite, feel nauseated, or experience a feeling of fullness after eating small portions of food.
If such symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor. Early detection and treatment of heart failure significantly increase the chances of successfully managing the disease.
Recall that earlier there was a report about a product that “kills” the heart: doctors said that it is better to exclude it from the diet.
