What to Know About Heart Failure

Posted on: 27 July 2022

Have you been exercising in an attempt to lose weight, but certain parts of your body do not show any progress? Although it can be more difficult for some people to lose weight than others, weight problems can also be the result of an underlying health condition. For example, the weight on your body might be from water retention rather than fat, which is one of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. You might need to make a doctor's appointment so he or she can assess any other symptoms that might point to heart failure. If you are suffering from such a condition, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to improve your life expectancy.

What Puts Someone at Risk for Heart Failure?

There are several risk factors involving heart failure, including being overweight and eating foods that are high in fat. What happens is the fat eventually begins to clog up arteries and interfere with the ability of the heart to properly function. When the heart struggles to pump blood throughout the body, it is considered heart failure, but that does not mean that there is no hope for the patient. High blood pressure, anemia, and arrhythmias are other conditions that put someone at risk for heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a form of the condition in which fluids fill the lungs and other areas of the body due to high cholesterol and other conditions.

How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed by a Cardiologist?

Diagnosing heart failure begins with a discussion of your medical history, as well as whether heart disease is common in your family. You will also discuss your typical diet, exercise habits, and how active you are on a daily basis. Your body will undergo an examination that includes checking your vitals, feeling your legs and feet for signs of bloating, and listening to your heart for irregularities. If heart disease is suspected, you will have to undergo multiple tests that might include an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, blood tests, and numerous other tests if the doctor feels like it is necessary to do so.

What Is Treatment Like for Heart Failure?

Treating heart failure can be different between patients, as it is based on the underlying conditions that led to the condition developing. For example, if you have a diet that is high in cholesterol, you might need to lower your cholesterol levels. Heart failure commonly involves taking medication, diet changes, exercising, and in severe cases, surgery.

For more information, reach out to a cardiology physician.

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Welcome to Sara's Site

Hi there! My name is Sara Jerba. I'm no doctor, but I'm very familiar with them due to experience. You could say I was a sickly child. Between various allergies and a few other conditions, I got to be very good friends with my doctors and nurses. Although I hate staying overnight in the hospital, I do feel quite at home there. Now, don't feel sorry for me. Most of my conditions have eased or even abated entirely as I've grown up. And none of them were ever life-threatening--just inconvenient. It's actually been very positive in the long run; it's brought a lot of wonderful people and important knowledge into my life that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

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