A recent survey reports that the percentage of death rates due to heart failure has increased in the past years. Heart failure disbalances the overall health of the patient. The graph of patients diagnosed with heart failure has experienced a sudden boost. Irrespective of age and gender, a majority of the population suffers from heart failure, but symptoms and treatment are entirely different for different people. Ignorance of such a chronic ailment results in the death of a patient. Diagnosing heart failure at an accurate time is a must to get the right treatment for heart failure. Heart Failure Tips is generally confused with heart attacks by the majority of the population. Many get confused with symptoms of heart failure and consider it as a sign of ageing. Seeking medical advice is recommended as soon as you start observing any symptoms of heart failure to ease the issue. Your medical professional will help you out in diagnosing heart failure and suggesting the right treatment to treat the same.
In the past few years, medical technology has advanced in its treatments. Certain drugs & treatments are designed that helps in managing heart failure symptoms and allow a person to lead an active life. The onset of several heart failure symptoms, seek immediate medical care to cure chronic heart ailment. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment options available for managing heart failure. But, diagnosing heart failure symptoms is the initial step to cure the heart ailment. Diagnosis will help you discover whether you are experiencing acute or chronic heart failure. The symptoms of acute heart failure appear and vanish suddenly. Whereas in chronic heart failure, the symptoms remain constant.
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How doctors will diagnose heart failure?
Blood tests, tracings, a scan of the heart, and physical examinations are some of the ways which help doctors in diagnosing heart failure symptoms. Blood tests are carried by several doctors to examine heart failure. Blood tests are well known to indicate kidney and liver function, as well as indicate changes in the heart. Tests like Electrocardiogram (ECG) & Echocardiogram make it easy for doctors to diagnose heart ailment. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common test carried by various doctors to diagnose heart ailments. It measures the electrical activity of your heart and shows whether the heart is beating too fast or too slow. It is even effective in indicating past heart problems. To check whether the heart is pumping effectively or not? Doctors carry an Echocardiogram, an ultrasound test that helps in measuring the size of the heart and the condition of the valves. It even scans the heart to see whether the heart is pumping efficiently or not. It helps doctors in diagnosing heart failure promptly.
Some tips for managing heart failure
Apart from the medical treatments and medications of heart failure, few tips are to be considered that help the patient to manage heart failure symptoms. Altering certain lifestyle habits can also help in managing heart failure and provide wellness. If you are living with heart failure, following a few tips will help you in managing heart failure symptoms and combating the heart ailment.
Reduce the intake of fluids
When a person is experiencing heart failure, kidneys are not able to dispose of sodium and water properly. Excess fluid is built up in the body in such a condition which the body can not handle. It is known as fluid retention. Intake of plenty of fluids can make the symptoms of heart failure worse. Doctors recommend limiting the intake of fluid and foods with high water content. Limiting beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks, and high water content foods like watermelon, grapes & gelatin help in managing heart failure. It is advised not to consume more than 2 liters of liquid per day in such a condition.
Avoid the consumption of excess salt
Consuming excess of salt in your food causes extra fluid to build up in the body known as fluid retention. It will dip the condition of the patient suffering from heart failure while making it unmanageable. Excessive fluid in the body makes it difficult for the heart to pump efficiently. It is even responsible for increasing blood pressure. Replacing salt with a variety of herbs and spices helps in managing your heart failure symptoms. Altering your dietary habits can help in combating the issue. Read the labels before purchasing canned or packet products and select low salt food packages.
Take a healthy balanced diet
A well-balanced diet is healthy for the body and keeps the person away from various ailments. Reduce the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol as it causes plaque deposits to form in the heart arteries, which later results in heart attacks. Follow a healthy lifestyle and make healthier choices in food. Eating small meals frequently instead of eating at a single time, helps in managing heart failure. Digesting small amounts of food does not put much strain on the heart.
Quit smoking and consumption of alcohol completely
If you are diagnosed with heart failure, it’s important for you to say no to smoking and alcohol.
Abstain from alcohol consumption completely. Excessive consumption of alcohol can be one of the reasons that cause heart failure in a patient and make the situation worse. It increases blood pressure and causes various other problems. It is even advised to quit smoking completely. Smoking can lead to plaque buildup and narrow the heart arteries of a person. The situation of a person experiencing heart failure becomes unmanageable as it can even restrict the blood flow to the heart which makes it difficult for the heart muscles to pump blood.
Practice light exercise within your limits
Practicing light exercise like walking, cycling, yoga, etc. after consulting your doctor, helps to improve the total well being of the person along with managing symptoms of heart failure. Your doctor may even suggest you for cardiac rehabilitation after diagnosing your symptoms of heart failure. Staying active and exercising daily is the key to healthy well being. Even a small amount of exercise may help you feel better and strengthen your heart muscles.