Your Heart is a Pump
The heart pumps fresh blood to the organs, tissues, and muscles through your arteries. The veins return the blood used to your heart and create a constant circulation. Your heart muscle contracts and relaxes every second to release blood and refill it with new blood.
Blood flow can be reduced or even blocked if, for instance, your arteries are clogged by plaque (which is often related to high levels of cholesterol). Reduced blood flow makes your heart work harder in order to pump enough oxygenated blood throughout your body.
This extra work over time can wear out your heart muscles and cause them to be unable pump blood as efficiently as they should. This condition is known as heart failure.
Heart Failure Symptoms
To function properly, your muscles and organs require constant oxygen-rich circulation. These organs and muscle will begin to weaken when your heart cannot pump blood properly.
The two most common symptoms of heart failure are fatigue and shortness in breath. When lying down or bending forward, breathing problems can be worsened. This is because fluids in the lungs may build up.
Other symptoms include:
- Coughing (often accompanied by blood or mucus) Fluid buildup in the lung
- muscle wasting caused by a lack in blood supply to the muscles
- Weight gain or swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs due to kidney disease
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat caused by the heart trying its best to compensate for its pumping problems
- Reduced blood flow in the digestive system can cause nausea or loss appetite.
- Sodium buildup can cause confusion or memory problems.
- dizziness due a reduced or changed blood flow to brain
Call 911 or the emergency services if you or anyone you know experiences these symptoms. Untreated heart failure can be fatal.
Knowing the symptoms of a disease and when to seek medical attention can save lives.
Reducing Your Risk For Developing Heart Failure
It is better to prevent heart failure than treat it. You can reduce your risk by doing the following:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- is physically active
- eat a healthy diet
- quit smoking
- reduce your stress levels
- Monitor and manage high blood Pressure
- Monitor and manage high cholesterol
Ask your doctor to check your heart health and your risk of heart disease. You can ask them how you can keep your heart healthy, and reduce the risk of heart failure. Tell them as soon as you can if you experience any symptoms. Early detection will increase your chances of recovering successfully and avoiding serious complications.
