New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Taking care of your heart is crucial, especially if you suffer from heart failure. Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently, as evidenced by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and exhaustion. Heart Failure Awareness Month in 2022 is a fantastic time to promote awareness of the problem while providing simple tips to help heart failure patients live better, happier lives.
Heart failure is a chronic condition that can be adequately controlled with proper treatment and care. Patients with heart failure can benefit greatly from regular interactions with their cardiologists, adherence to prescribed treatment plans, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr K Sarat Chandra, Senior Cardiologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad, Former Editor of the Indian Heart Journal and Former President of the Cardiological Society of India, said: “In India, heart failure is a growing problem and the reasons for this are the high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and heart attack. Very often we see young people coming with these conditions. To prevent these problems, we need to improve our lifestyle, exercise regularly, quit smoking and limit our alcohol intake. Also check blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. When it comes to heart failure, a number of new treatments have come into practice and early treatment will benefit our patients.
Here are some tips for all heart failure patients:
* Talk to your cardiologist!
It’s good to have regular conversations with your cardiologist. Report new or worsening symptoms immediately. These timely checks will help you track your progress and get the right advice at the right time.
* Check your salt intake
Insufficient blood flow to the kidneys causes the body to retain water and fluids, leading to swelling in the legs, abdomen, and ankles, increased urination, and weight gain. High salt intake is known to cause extra fluid buildup in your body and worsen heart failure. Therefore, control your salt intake by lowering the salt levels in your meals, replacing salt with herbs and spices, or choosing “low salt” or preferably “no salt added” when purchasing foods. canned or frozen.
* Track your fluid intake
Drinking lots of fluids can make your heart failure worse. It is advisable to limit drinks such as tea, juices and soft drinks, as well as foods with a high water content such as soups, watermelon or even ice cream! Rapid weight gain can be a sign of fluid buildup in your body.
* Respect the prescribed treatment
Staying on top of taking your medications as prescribed is crucial to effective management of heart failure. Use reminders or alarms to never miss a dose or an appointment! If you live alone, stick sticky notes on your cupboards or refrigerator as an easy reminder.
According to Professor (Dr) Sundeep Mishra, a former Professor in the Department of Cardiology at AIIMS and currently Vice Chancellor (President) of NIMS University, “With the increasing burden of heart failure in India, especially among young people, it is necessary to recognize it – as a public health priority.The main reason for the increase in cases of heart failure is the growing dependence on a sedentary lifestyle, higher consumption of salt, sugar and fats in the diet and increasing stress levels.However, heart failure can still be better managed with regular treatment and regular conversations with a cardiologist and a holistic treatment plan can help better manage the disease.(ANI )
This report is generated automatically from the ANI news service. ThePrint declines all responsibility for its content.