Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, and is referred to as a group of cardiovascular disorders including abnormal heart rhythms, Marfan syndrome, congenital heart disease, heart attacks and heart failure are some of the conditions that often fall into this category. Most people are confused about these CVDs and consider them the same.
However, each of them is different and has different symptoms and prevention methods to make it easier to distinguish between these conditions, and according to a report by the Times of India, there are some myths related to heart failure..
Myth: Heart failure is a heart attack
Fact: While heart failure and heart attack fall under the category of cardiovascular disease, they differ greatly. A heart attack refers to a sudden blockage of blood flow to your heart On the other hand, heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.
However, a heart attack can cause heart failure, along with many other risk factors for heart failure, including other heart diseases, high blood pressure, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or unhealthy lifestyles..
Myth: Heart failure has no warning signs
Fact: There are many symptoms associated with heart failure that one should be aware of, in addition to identifying risk factors, such as family history and comorbid conditions, that can put you at an increased risk of heart failure..
The most common signs include shortness of breath or shortness of breath, tiredness, fatigue, increased time to recovery after exercise, and ankle swelling. Slightly less common symptoms include nighttime coughing, feeling bloated, confusion, palpitations, depression, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, and temporary loss of consciousness (syncope).
Myth: Heart failure only affects the elderly, not the young
Fact: Although heart failure is more common among the elderly, younger people can also develop heart failure.
Younger heart failure patients (18-55 years old) have a higher incidence of comorbidities, such as obesity, as well as myocarditis, congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy, which increase the risk of early heart failure and, therefore, their condition will be managed differently. Treating these risk factors and relieving symptoms to improve their quality of life.
Myth: Heart failure is “the end of the road” and it can’t be managed
Fact: Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working and it’s certainly not “the end of the road.” Although there is no specific treatment, it can be treated, and symptoms can often be managed effectively..
By managing the disease effectively, including relieving or stabilizing symptoms, patients can still benefit from treatment to live a better quality of life. The disease is usually managed with a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes medications or surgical procedures and lifestyle changes, which can Include exercise and diet modifications Adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes are essential to effectively managing your condition.