Tips for patients with heart failure

Heart failure is due to a failure in heart function that usually results in symptoms such as choking, both in effort (walking, climbing stairs, etc.) and at rest, and fluid retention (legs, ankles and feet swollen ). Heart failure is a very common disease, especially above 75 years.

What are the most common causes of heart failure?

The most common causes of heart failure are ischemic heart disease (previous myocardial infarction, angina), hypertension and diseases of the heart valves caused by toxins such as alcohol.

How to prevent heart failure?

Factors related to the causes of this ailment itself be treated, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking or cholesterol. Also avoid toxic habits such as consumption of alcohol, snuff or drugs, which are detrimental to the crown area.

Treatment for heart failure

Treatment of heart failure aims to relieve symptoms and improve the patient's condition with the use of medication and changes in lifestyle. Currently, there are effective drugs available for reducing signs of the disease and the respective hospitalizations, very frequent complication.

The change in the lifestyle of the patient is essential. Physical exercise practiced regularly improves symptoms, reduces the risk of hypertension, it helps reduce cholesterol, prevents osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and stress. It is highly recommended that the patient perform physical activity according to the guidelines and precautions given by your doctor. It is especially recommended walking, biking and swimming.

How to prevent complications in heart failure?

Heart failure may worsen due to various reasons and these must be avoided to prevent decompensation. For instance:

- Taking too much salt or too liquid.

- Other diseases such as influenza, pneumonia or anemia.

- Specific medications such as anti-inflammatories.

- Episodes of cardiac arrhythmias, angina, heart attacks, among others.

- Do not take the medicines prescribed by professional in adult cardiology .

Also, if you are diagnosed with heart failure, you should be vaccinated annually for influenza and pneumococcal vaccine every 5 years to avoid the aforementioned diseases.

Furthermore, heart failure can not only complicate also decompensation. Increased weight quickly or swollen ankles are early markers of this fact. If you win more than 1 kg in 24-48 hours, you should increase diuretics (furosemide, torsemide) to return again to the initial weight.