Who is constantly tired and always suffers from shortness of breath, should in any case visit his family doctor or a cardiologist. The symptoms could be based on a heart muscle weakness, also heart failure! Up to five percent of all people over 75 in Germany are affected by the disease.
Heart failure – what exactly is it?
In heart failure, the heart is only insufficiently able to absorb the blood flowing back from the body and pump it to the organs.
In heart failure, the heart is insufficiently able to absorb the blood flowing back from the body and pump it to the organs. Acute heart failure can develop within hours or even a few days. It is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately.
Chronic heart failure develops over a longer period of time, usually months or even years. There are different forms of the disease: In left-sided heart failure, the left side of the heart is mainly affected; in right-sided heart failure, the right side is affected. If both halves of the heart do not perform adequately, the condition is called global heart failure.
What are the causes?
One possible cause of heart muscle weakness is inadequately treated high blood pressure. Coronary heart disease (CHD), a calcification of the coronary arteries, must also be considered as a trigger of heart failure.
The disease makes itself felt by a limited performance capacity and shortness of breath, which is triggered by a blood congestion in front of the heart. In addition, dysfunction of all organs often occurs, for example, kidney failure, which in turn results in water retention throughout the body and in the legs.
Can you live a normal and fulfilling life despite heart failure?
Yes, you can definitely live a full life with heart failure. To do so, however, basic rules must be followed, such as checking weight daily to quantify water levels, measuring blood pressure and pulse rate, and taking medications very carefully. All of this should be done under the supervision of a cardiologist who has been trained and is particularly dedicated to this.
Pay attention to a healthy lifestyle
Anyone affected by heart failure must emphasize a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
A balanced diet rich in fiber with plenty of fruit and vegetables, little meat, plenty of fish and healthy oils helps to improve performance and well-being and reduces existing excess weight in the medium term. Physical exercise – if possible – is also good for the circulation and the body. Before starting, however, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
How does the doctor treat?
The goal of medical therapy is always to treat a triggering underlying disease and reduce risk factors. For example, blood pressure that is too high must be lowered to the most optimal values possible. Prof. Dr. Georg Ertl additionally places great hope in a treatment option for chronic heart failure, which, according to analysis of a pioneering study, can probably help one in four sufferers.
