New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): It is important to take care of one’s heart, especially if one is suffering from heart failure. Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently, as seen by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. Heart Failure Awareness Month 2022 is a great time to promote awareness of the issue, while also providing simple advice to help heart failure patients live better and happier lives.
Heart failure is a chronic disease that can be adequately controlled with the right treatment and care. Heart failure patients can greatly benefit from regular conversations with their cardiologists, following prescribed treatment plans, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr K Sarat Chandra, Senior Cardiologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad, Former Editor, Indian Heart Journal and Former President, Cardiological Society of India, said, “In India, cardiac arrest is a growing problem and has a high prevalence. Diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and heart attack. Too often we see young people coming up with these conditions. To avoid these problems, we have to improve our lifestyle, do regular exercise, stop smoking and limit the consumption of alcohol. It also controls blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. With regard to heart failure, many new treatments have come into play and our patients will benefit from early treatment.”
Here are some tips for all heart patients:
*Talk to your cardiologist!
It is good to have regular conversations with your cardiologist. Report any new or worsening symptoms you notice immediately. These timely check-ups will help you keep track of your progress and get the right advice at the right time.
* Check your salt consumption
Inadequate blood flow to the kidneys causes the body to retain water and fluids, leading to swelling in the legs, abdomen and ankles, increased urination, and weight gain. High salt consumption causes excess fluid to build up in your body and worsens heart failure. Therefore, control your salt intake by reducing the level of salt in your food, replacing salt with herbs and spices, or choosing ‘low salt’ or preferably ‘no salt added’ when buying canned or frozen foods. .
* Track your fluid intake
Drinking too many fluids can make your heart failure worse. It is advisable to limit beverages such as tea, juices and soft drinks as well as foods high in water such as soup, watermelon or even ice cream! Rapid weight gain can be a sign of fluid buildup in your body.
*Stay on prescribed treatment
Staying on top of taking your medications as prescribed is important for effective management of heart failure. Use reminders or alarms to never miss a dose or appointment! If you live alone, stick sticky notes on your cabinet or refrigerator as a handy reminder.
Former Professor of Cardiology Department of AIIMS and presently Vice Chancellor (Chairman) of NIMS University, Prof. According to (Dr.) Sandeep Mishra, “With the increasing burden of heart failure in India, especially among the young population, this is necessary. To recognize this – as a public health priority. The major reasons for the increase in the cases of heart failure are increasing dependence on a sedentary lifestyle, high intake of salt, sugar and fat in the diet and increasing levels of stress. However, heart failure can still be managed better with regular treatment and regular interactions with a cardiologist and a holistic treatment plan can help one manage the condition better.” (ANI)
This report is automatically generated from ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its contents.