Congestive heart failure (also known as heart failure) is a dangerous disorder in which the heart is unable pump blood properly. Contrary to its name, heart failure doesn’t indicate that the heart has actually stopped beating or is soon to do so. Instead, it indicates that the heart muscle’s ability to contract has decreased with time or that it has a mechanical issue that prevents it from fully filling with blood. Because of this, it can’t keep up with the body’s demands. Due to this pumping issue, the body’s other organs are not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
Additionally, the heart grows a little to accommodate the blood. Breathlessness results from fluid filling the lungs. Lack of blood causes the kidneys to start retaining water and sodium, which can cause kidney failure. Heart failure is frequently and typically progressive, meaning it becomes worse over time, whether or not it receives therapy.
Here are a basic symptoms pf heart failure
Symptoms of Heart Failure
There are many symptoms of heart failure, and they can vary from person to person. Some people may experience shortness of breath, while others may feel tired all the time. You may also have a persistent cough, or your ankles and feet may swell up. A few early symptoms can be
- tiredness,
- significant weight gain
- appetite loss
- heart arrhythmias
- irregular heartbeat
- abdomen swelling
- shortness of breath
- swollen ankles and legs
- Breathing heavily while resting down.
- enlarged neck veins
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. The earlier heart failure is diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and improve your chances of living a healthy life.
The Stages of Heart Failure
There are four stages of heart failure, and each one is marked by increasing levels of severity. Each stage has its own set of symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose the problem.
Compensated Heart Failure
The first stage is called compensated heart failure. This is the earliest stage, and it’s where the body is still able to compensate for the failing heart. You may not even know that you have heart failure at this stage, since the symptoms are mild and can easily be mistaken for something else.
Congestive Heart failure
The second stage is called congestive heart failure. This is when the body can no longer compensate and begins to accumulate fluids. The symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen legs and ankles.
Acute Heart Failure
The third stage is called acute heart failure. This is a life-threatening condition, and it’s marked by a sudden increase in the symptoms. You may experience chest pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.
End stage Heart failure
The fourth stage is called end-stage heart failure. This is the most severe stage, and it’s when the body can no longer function without mechanical assistance. The symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and fluid retention.
Prevention
Heart failure can be treated and prevented from occurring with the help of several lifestyle changes. Your risk of heart failure can be considerably reduced by maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise. Your risk can be decreased by consuming less salt in your diet. Among other behaviors that could stop heart failure are:
- reducing alcohol consumption
- quit smoking
- avoiding foods containing high fat contents
- getting enough sleep and staying active
Consult a doctor
If you think you are at the risk of a cardiac disease or that you possess some symptoms of heart failure, consult a doctor immediately.
You can get in touch with Dr. Junaid Zaffar, who is the best Cardiologist in Karachi. You can find the finest doctors across the nation at oladoc.
