Monday, February 13, 2012
The truth about heart failure
But it is a very serious condition. Heart failure results after an injury to the heart causes it to become weakened and pump less effectively. The injury can be sudden such as in the case of some heart attacks or gradual as a result of other chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
Heart failure, previously known as congestive heart failure, is a common but under recognized cardiac disease affecting nearly five million Americans. There will be up to 700,000 new cases diagnosed this year.
Feb. 12-18 is National Heart Failure Awareness Week – the perfect time to learn more about this chronic illness.
Symptoms of heart failure can be remembered by using the acronym FACES; Fatigue, Activities limited, Chest congestion, Edema or ankle swelling and Shortness of breath. If your doctor suspects that you may have heart failure, there are tests that should be ordered to best determine a diagnosis and evaluate the extent of your illness.
There is currently no cure for heart failure but there is good news -- with early diagnosis and proper treatment you can slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life. Due to advances in medicine there are more options available today to help treat heart failure than ever before.
People with heart failure should see their health care provider regularly, limit salt intake, weigh themselves daily, take medication exactly as prescribed, and exercise as recommended by your healthcare provider.
For more information visit www.abouthf.org
Cindy Arpin is a registered nurse and Coordinator of the Backus Hospital stroke and congestive heart failure programs. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Arpin or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
