Congestive Heart Failure- How to Prevent It?

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic, progressive illness that decreases your heart muscle’s ability to pump blood. While heart failure is commonly referred to as “heart failure,” CHF refers to the stage at which fluid builds up within the heart, causing it to pump inefficiently. There are four chambers in your heart. Two ventricles and two atria make up the top half of your heart, while two ventricles make up the lower half. 

The ventricles pump blood to the organs and tissues of your body, while the atria receive blood as it circulates back to the rest of your body. 

When your ventricles are unable to pump enough blood volume to the body, CHF develops. Over time, blood and other fluids can back up in your lungs, abdomen, liver, and lower body. 

CHF is a life-threatening condition, and it is particularly important to consult doctors immediately. Home visit doctors in Bengaluru provide best in class diagnoses and advise on the right treatment based on your condition.

Symptoms of Congest Heart Failure:

Sometimes the signs of heart failure can be confusing and different in different people. However, some symptoms of heart failure are listed below: 

1. Increased heart rate
2. Fatigue
3. Shortness of breath 
4. Confusion
5. Nausea

Any one of these signs, if observed, might not be a symptom of heart failure, but if someone observes more than one sign at a time, they should seek immediate help. Opt for doctor home visits as it can save your time and energy spent running around hospitals.

How To Prevent Heart Failure?

Although you cannot control some risk factors such as age, family history, or race, you can change your lifestyle pattern to improve your chances of avoiding heart failure. You can do the following: 

• Quit smoking:

  Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, decreases the amount of oxygen in your blood, and makes your heart beat faster.

• Check your legs, feet, and ankles for swelling daily:

  Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet should be checked on a daily basis. If the swelling worsens, consult your doctor. 

• Consult your doctor about weight monitoring:

  You may need to reevaluate your treatment plan if you gain weight. Weight gain may indicate fluid retention. Inquire with your doctor about how often you should weigh yourself and when you should notify them of any weight gain.

• Maintain a healthy weight:

  A dietitian can help you reach your ideal weight if you are overweight. Even minor weight loss can improve your heart health. 

• Maintain a healthy diet:

  Consume fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins. 

• Limit your salt intake:

  Excess salt (sodium) can cause water retention, which causes your heart to work harder, as well as shortness of breath and swollen legs, ankles, and feet. Remember that salt is already added to prepared foods, so be cautious when using salt substitutes. Consult your doctor to determine whether you should follow a no-salt or low-salt diet. 

• Limit your consumption of saturated and trans fats:

  In addition to avoiding salty foods, limit your saturated and trans fats intake. These potentially harmful dietary fats raise your chances of developing heart disease.

• Get vaccinated:

  Consult your doctor about getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19. 

• Limit your alcohol and fluid intake:

  If you have heart failure, your doctor may advise you not to drink alcohol because it can interfere with your medication, increase your risk of abnormal heart rhythms and weaken your heart muscle. Your doctor may also suggest limiting your fluid intake if you have severe heart failure. 

• Be Active:

  Moderate aerobic activity keeps the rest of your body healthy and fit, reducing the pressure on your heart muscle. However, before beginning any exercise program, consult your home visit doctor in Bengaluru. Your doctor may advise you to participate in a walking or cardiac rehabilitation program at your local hospital. 

• Reduce Stress:

  When you are anxious or depressed, your heart rate increases, you breathe more heavily, and your blood pressure rises. Because your heart is already struggling to meet the body’s demands, this can aggravate heart failure. Discover methods to reduce stress in your life. Spend time with friends and family to socialize and relieve stress. Try napping or putting your feet up to rest your heart when possible. 

• Sleep Well:

  Sleep with your head propped up with a pillow or a wedge if you have shortness of breath, especially at night. If you have any sleep issues like snoring or breathing problem at night, get tested for sleep apnea.