This World Heart Day, lets pledge to Beat Heart Failure
The term heart failure makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all and there's nothing that can be done. Actually, heart failure means that the heart isn't pumping as well as it should be. There is little data on heart failure (HF) burden and it is estimated that there are over 25 million heart failure cases worldwide with nearly 8-10 million heart failure patients in India, which translates into 40% of global burden. This World Heart Day, let's take initiative a pledge to and promise ourselves to bring about some changes in our lives to keep our Heart healthy and function properly.
Heart failure is one of the most under-diagnosed heart diseases in our country, contributing to a high number of death rates.Given that India is also the diabetes capital of the world we are at a larger risk and contributes in total 25% deaths, since diabetes is one of the prime risk factors for heart failure. The National Heart Failure Registry recently revealed that close to 17% of patients die within 90 days of being diagnosed with heart failure.There is a lot of ambiguity when it comes to understanding heart failure. The disease is often confused with heart attack, or its symptoms are ignored as signs of old age or other diseases. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and the patient might reach the doctor at an advanced stage of the disease.
To be better prepared to handle this issue, build awareness and provide guidance, The Times of India has launched a mission called Beat Heart Failure'in partnership with Novartis.The initiative aims to inform and educatereaders about this growing disease and to engage with relevant stakeholders on suggesting solutions to offer accessible care and treatments. Hundreds of doctors across the country have also joined this movement by spreading awareness amongst citizens and also deliberating on areas that are key to resolving the issue of heart failure in the country. Over 3 seasons of the initiative, more than half a million people educated themselves about the symptoms of heart failure via an effective symptoms checker tool and millions of other engaged with other legs of the initiative for example expert webinars and sessions.
This year also, the Beat Heart Failure movement is gathering tremendous momentum. Top Hospitals across cities joined hands with The Times of India initiative to ensure much-needed awareness amongst current and potential heart failure patients across the country.Heart Failure specialists in these hospitals will be giving out important information on how to manage the disease and live a normal life with heart failure by following necessary precautions.
Here is some basic information about what heart failure means and how can it be managed?
Heart failure means that the heart isn't pumping as well as it should be. Your body depends on the heart's pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body's cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally. With heart failure, the weakened heartmuscle can't supply the cells with enough blood.
Several comorbid conditions and risk factors can cause heart failure. Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, drug usage etc., that leads to lifestyle diseases, increases the risk of developing heart failure in the future. Also, hypertension or high blood pressure makes the heart work harder than it must. Over time, this puts pressure on the heart muscle responsible for the pumping action.
Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to signs like:
Shortness of breath
Tiredness during routine activities
Racing heartbeat - To make up for the loss in pumping ability, your heart may start to beat faster. This can lead to heart palpitations. You may feel like your heart is racing or throbbing.
Sudden weight gain - Many people are first alerted to worsening heart failure when they notice a weight gain of more than two or three pounds in a 24-hour period or more than five pounds in a week.
Swollen ankles - swelling from fluids collecting in your body most often in the ankles, lower legs and feet and especially if you notice any increase in swelling or increased night time urination etc
Need to use multiple pillows to get sleep
One must not ignore these symptoms and seek medical advice immediately.If you have symptoms of Heart Failure, Doctor will take you through Heart Failure Management program - educate you thoroughly about the condition, suggests you to a treatment to help you - Improve your Clinical Status, improve Functional Capacity, improve Quality of Life, Prevent Hospitalization and reduce mortality. He may also advice you for non-pharmacological changes in your fluid intake and diet, introduce some exercises and life-style changes to enhance the functioning of the heart. It is also suggested to monitoring daily activities and symptoms and prevent the disease to become chronic.
It's advisable to adopt an overall healthy lifestyle and also develop a habit of regular health screening to ensure that any possible heart disease could be diagnosed at an early stage, to ensure timely treatment.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article by the panelists/experts are based on their independent professional judgement and are disseminated in public interest. These views should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice of a registered medical practitioner. The purpose of this article is not to promote any medical procedures or medication and/or recommend a certain doctor. For any specific health issues, please consult your registered medical practitioner.
