When the Heart Fails

Heart failure is a serious heart disease characterized by the inability of the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body. The main risk factors for heart failure are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Other heart problems such as arrhythmias or heart valve disease can also contribute to the development of heart failure.

Understanding heart failure

To understand heart failure, let's look at how the heart works. The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers (right and left atria) and two lower chambers (right and left ventricles). The valves separate the chambers of the heart so that blood flows in one direction throughout the body.

Blood from the body enters the right atrium and passes into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs, where gas exchange occurs and blood returns to the left atrium. Blood from the left atrium travels into the left ventricle and is pumped out of the heart and around the body. After supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body, the blood returns to the heart through the right atrium, and the cycle repeats.

For the heart to work properly, both sides of the heart must work. However, both the right and left sides of the heart can fail. Left heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot contract or relax properly. As a result, the blood from the heart cannot supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients. Right heart failure can be caused by dysfunction of the left side of the heart. It can also happen when the right ventricle can't pump enough blood and blood returning to the heart begins to back up through the veins. This can lead to congestive heart failure, which occurs when fluid builds up in the body. Fluid collects in the lower legs first, causing the feet and ankles to swell. This condition can become particularly dangerous if fluid begins to accumulate in the lungs, where it can interfere with breathing.

Heart failure is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. However, heart failure can be controlled with lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery, if needed. Heart failure can be prevented by controlling risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Medications and surgery can help, but lifestyle changes and healthy habits are key to preventing heart disease.

Here are some ways to prevent heart disease and reduce risk factors:

  • Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.
  • Stay active and engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or exercising
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Avoid foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt
  • have a good night and sleep
  • Do not smoke
  • limit alcohol consumption
  • Reduce stress
  • Find out about your medical conditions

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