Learning about Heart Failure

While heart failure can affect anyone at any stage in their life, it is prevalent in people 55 years and older. It is very common. It affects 5.1 million people in the United States.

Heart failure is a state where the blood is not pumped in adequate amounts to satisfy the body’s needs. A few underlying causes that can lead to heart failure are hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, valve problems, coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, and heart attacks. Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women. Symptoms to watch that can happen prior to heart failure are coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck.

There isn’t a single test that diagnoses heart failure. Your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart diseases and conditions. A few diagnostic tests that can help determine the condition are an Electrocardiogram (EKG), chest x-ray, BNP blood test, Echocardiography, Doppler Ultrasound, Holter Monitor, Nuclear Heart Scan, Coronary Angiography, Stress test, Cardiac MRI, and Thyroid Function tests.

At this point, heart failure has no cure. However, medicine and lifestyle changes can help people with this condition live longer and more active lives. A few lifestyle changes that can help are eating a healthy diet including drinking the right amount of fluid, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and getting enough rest. The sooner you incorporate these changes, the better off you’ll likely be.