The term heart failure may conjure up fear because it sounds like the heart is not working at all. But having the condition doesn’t mean your heart no longer works – it means it’s not working as well as it should. With proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes, the effects of heart failure can typically be managed so people can continue to live full and enjoyable lives.
What is heart failure?
In people who have heart failure, the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should due to a weakened pumping ability or because the walls of the heart have become thicker. That means that the heart can’t supply enough oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to cells throughout the body. The heart may become enlarged or the heart may pump faster to try to keep up with the body’s demand for blood.
What are the signs that you may have heart failure?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of heart failure. You may not experience these symptoms during early stages of heart failure as your heart and body compensate for the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently enough. That’s why it’s a good idea to get regular check-ups. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor because diagnosis and treatment is the best way to manage heart failure:
Although there is no cure for heart failure, medications and healthy lifestyle habits can help people live full lives with the condition. The earlier heart failure is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is, so don’t ignore symptoms if you have them.
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