Heart failure, which can manifest itself with symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations and depression, is not a disease on its own; It can occur as a result of different diseases such as heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve and heart muscle diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney failure and lung diseases. This picture, which shortens the quality and duration of life, needs to be brought under control without losing time with close follow-up and regular treatment.
Beware of excess weight!
Heart failure is most common in people aged 65 and over, as there may be a decrease in strength in the heart muscle with age. Overweight individuals, Type 2 diabetes patients, and people who have had a previous heart attack are also at risk. The main symptom of heart failure is shortness of breath. Other symptoms are fatigue, palpitations, frequent urination at night, swelling in the legs, abdominal distension, and prominent neck veins. The reflection of the complaints on daily life may indicate that the heart failure is advanced. The feeling of shortness of breath and tiredness that did not exist before while climbing stairs or doing daily tasks should be taken into account. Early recognition and treatment of complaints is important.
Major causes of heart failure
Occlusion of the coronary arteries that feed the heart
Diabetes (diabetes)
Hypertension
heart rhythm problems
Affecting the heart muscle from birth
heart valve diseases
First, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.
Especially those who have congenital heart muscle diseases in their family should be checked for heart failure. Diagnosis of heart failure; It is determined by a detailed heart examination and then by electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiography and laboratory tests to be performed according to the causes of heart failure. If arrhythmia is suspected, 24-hour rhythm monitoring devices can be attached to the patient to follow-up. The most important goal in the treatment of heart failure is to identify and treat the underlying cause. Treatment; includes lifestyle modification, medication, and interventional treatments. If there is a problem in the heart vessels, it is important to correct this situation and to control blood pressure and blood sugar.
6 suggestions to reduce risk factors
1-Do not delay your hypertension and diabetes treatment
2-Reduce the salt
3- Consume green vegetables and fruits
4-Eat fish instead of meat
5-Do not smoke
6-Take regular walks, especially outdoors
Personalized treatment planning
Drug treatments are carried out individually, under the supervision of a cardiologist and at certain intervals. If the complaints persist despite medications in heart failure, pacemaker therapy and cardiac support devices can be inserted in appropriate patients. If the disease progresses despite all precautions, heart transplantation can be planned. Before the development of heart failure, determining the causes and taking precautions is the most effective treatment method.