Cardiac Sciences

Heart Failure: Recognizing Symptoms as well as Dispelling Misconceptions

admin Aug 21, 2024

In past few years, heart problems have become a top problem in India, leading to lot of deaths. As per the report of World Health Organization (WHO), heart diseases are accountable for approximately 25% of death rate in the country.

Heart failure can be scary, and for many, it may seem like a hopeless diagnosis. However, the term covers many types, origins, as well as severities of heart conditions. By concentrating on key health behaviors as well as taking the right drugs, patients can successfully manage the condition as well as enjoy an active and fulfilling life.

Contrary to its name, cardiac failure does not mean the heart has stopped functioning. Instead, it is a long-term health condition in which the heart's capability to pump blood efficiently is compromised. As a result, the body may not get the required lifesaving gas oxygen as well as nutrient supply, leading to various symptoms as well as complications.

Here, let us try to explore the difference between heart failure and heart attack, apart from delving into the symptoms and causes of heart failure and debunking the myths surrounding the heart failure condition:

What is the difference between Heart Failure and Heart Attack?

It's necessary to distinguish between heart failure as well as a heart attack, as they are distinct cardiovascular conditions with different underlying mechanisms:

Heart Failure

This occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.

Heart Attack

This happens when a blockage in the coronary arteries hampers flow of blood to a part of the heart muscle as well as causes damage/death to the affected tissue. While heart attacks can lead to heart failure, they are separate conditions.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure can impact both sides of the heart, although the left side is typically affected first. As the heart's pumping ability declines, there are common symptoms that may become apparent, comprising:

Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Continuous coughing/wheezing
Tiredness as well as weakness
Swelling in the abdominal portion
Prompt/ irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
Decreased capacity for physical activity or exercise
Persistent pain in the chest or discomfort
Loss of appetite and nausea
Trouble in concentrating/decreased mental alertness
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Swollen/tender abdomen (ascites)
Increased need to urinate, especially at night
Sudden onset of dizziness or lightheadedness
Swollen neck veins

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure can result from several factors comprising:

Coronary artery disease
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
Previous heart attacks
Diabetes
Cardiomyopathy (disease of the cardiac muscle)
Heart valve disorders
Congenital heart defects
Infections impacting the cardiac muscle.

Myths and Facts About Heart Failure

Myth

Heart failure only impacts older adults.

Fact

While heart failure is more predominant in older adults, it may impact individuals of any age, comprising kids and young adults.

Myth

Heart failure as well as heart attack are similar.

Fact

Heart failure as well as heart attack are two different conditions with different causes as well as symptoms. A heart attack may lead to heart failure, but they are not interchangeable terms.

Myth

Heart failure is invariably fatal.

Fact

While heart failure is a severe condition, a lot of people manage their symptoms effectively with medicines, lifestyle changes, as well as medical help.

Myth

Heart failure cannot be warded off.

Fact

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, comprising regular exercise, a nutritious diet, managing stress, as well as avoiding smoking and too much alcohol consumption, may reduce the chances of developing heart failure.

Myth

Heart failure only impacts the heart.

Fact

Heart failure can impact various organs as well as body systems due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery, leading to complications such as renal dysfunction as well as liver congestion.

Myth

People with heart failure should not do exercise.

Fact

Every day, moderate exercise is often recommended for people suffering from heart failure, as it can improve cardiovascular health, endurance, as well as quality of life.

Myth

Heart failure is always accompanied by visible symptoms.

Fact

Few people suffering from heart failure may experience subtle/atypical symptoms, making early detection difficult. Regular screenings as well as medical check-ups are crucial for early intervention.

Innovation

Investigators have designed a new method - analysing heart MRI scans utilising artificial intelligence (AI). This could save precious time and resources and enhance patient care.

In a nutshell, several misconceptions regarding heart failure are unnecessarily scaring patients. Growing knowledge, as well as science regarding heart failure, makes it a much more manageable as well as less alarming diagnosis compared to a few years ago.