What are the symptoms of heart failure?
People with heart failure may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down
- Fatigue or feeling very tired
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or stomach
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Coughing or wheezing, especially at night
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Decreased appetite or nausea
What causes heart failure?
Heart failure can be caused by several conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease, which narrows the heart’s blood vessels
- High blood pressure, which makes the heart work harder
- Heart attacks that can damage heart muscle
- Heart valve problems, affecting how blood flows through the heart
- Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle
How common are heart failures?
Heart failure is a common condition, especially among older adults. It affects many people in the UK and around the world.
Who is more likely to get heart failure?
Some people may be more at risk of developing heart failure due to factors such as:
- Older age
- Having a family history of heart problems
- Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
How can I treat heart failure?
Heart failure can be managed and treated with the following:
- Medications to help the heart work better (like dapagliflozin or ramipril)
- Changes to diet and lifestyle, such as eating healthy foods and exercising
- Monitoring fluid intake to prevent swelling
- In some cases, surgery may be needed, such as valve repair
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How to live with heart failure?
Living with heart failure requires ongoing management that includes:
- Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
- Monitoring symptoms and reporting any changes
- Following a treatment plan to manage the condition
- Involving family and friends for support
Final thoughts
Heart failure is a serious but manageable condition. If you have any concerns about your heart health, it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
Sources
NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/
Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-failure
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure
Patient.info – https://patient.info/heart-health/heart-failure
