Negative influencing factors for life expectancy in case of heart failure
Among the factors that have a negative influence on a cardiac insufficiency are above all overweight, but also severe underweight weakens the heart permanently. A balanced, rich diet is an integral part of the basic therapy. Food such as meat (especially red meat and sausage), sugary food and drinks (cola, fanta, energy drinks) and fast food should be avoided.
Saturated fatty acids, as found in animal products (whole milk, fatty cheese), are particularly harmful. Fat not only leads to a rapid weight gain, but also increases the cholesterol level. This is deposited in blood vessels and causes vascular occlusion and favors the development of coronary heart disease and heart attacks, which in turn can be the cause of cardiac insufficiency.
The same applies to the consumption of alcohol and nicotine. Patients with cardiac insufficiency should consistently avoid them. Another negative factor is psychological stress.
The release of stress hormones increases the heart rate and puts additional strain on the weakened heart. Patients with cardiac insufficiency often have a number of other illnesses which have a negative influence on each other. These include diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia. The consequences on the heart can be reduced by a permanent drug therapy of the underlying diseases and regular blood sugar and blood pressure control.If a cardiac insufficiency occurs acutely on so-called acute heart failure, life expectancy drops sharply and often ends fatally after a few hours.
Life expectancy at stage 1
Stage 1 cardiac insufficiency means that structural changes in the heart can already be detected or a reduction in the ejection capacity of the heart can be measured. However, the affected person has no symptoms, neither at rest nor under heavy stress. During a stress test more than 100 watts can be reached.
The cardiac output per minute is normal. It is therefore difficult to diagnose cardiac insufficiency at this stage, as many patients do not feel ill and do not go to the doctor. Usually a heart failure in stage 1 is diagnosed in connection with other diseases.
During a check-up for coronary artery disease, a heart attack, high blood pressure or routine examination by the family doctor, possible changes in the ECG or listening to the heart and lungs are noticed. If heart failure is detected at this early stage, therapy must be initiated immediately. Even if there are no symptoms, the patient must be aware that this is a serious illness that cannot be cured.
In stage 1, an annual mortality rate of between 8-18% can be expected. Only through consistent therapy can the prognosis be improved. Strict adjustment of blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels can provide lasting relief for the heart.
- Can a heart failure be detected in the ECG?
- Symptoms of heart failure
