Heart Failure Treatment
Heart failure occurs due to the heart's inability to send sufficient blood to the tissues and organs due to decreased heart performance. It is a problem that can progress without symptoms and lead to fatal consequences. Therefore, heart failure treatment is vital.
What is Heart Failure?
It is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. When the heart muscles weaken or stiffen, blood circulation slows, and organs and tissues in the body can't get enough oxygen and nutrients.
What is the Lifespan of Patients with Heart Failure?
The severity of this disease varies depending on many factors, such as response to treatment, age, gender, other health problems and lifestyle factors. However, with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, the life expectancy of patients can be increased.
What are Heart Failure Treatment Methods?
Treatment options include medication, medical devices, surgical procedures, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation programs. The doctor determines the appropriate treatment method.
What Are the Primary Medicines Used for Heart Failure?
The medicines used for heart failure treatment vary depending on the disease's cause, severity and symptoms. Commonly used drugs are as follows:
- Beta-blockers: They reduce the heart failure symptoms by slowing the heart rate and improving the functioning of the heart muscle. It is also effective in preventing rhythm disorders that cause sudden cardiac death.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs: They reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, strengthen the heart muscle and enable the heart to pump blood to the body better. It is beneficial in patients with the weakened heart muscle.
- Digoxin: It helps to strengthen the contraction of the heart muscle and regulates the heart rate.
- Diuretics: They relieve the load on the heart by removing the accumulated fluid in the body.
What Is Good For Heart Failure?
It is possible to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life by making lifestyle changes in treating it. These changes include a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress avoidance, smoking and alcohol use. In addition, pillows that raise the head position should be preferred to alleviate the disease's symptoms, especially while lying down.
What Should Heart Failure Patients Eat?
There are some points that patients with heart failure should pay attention to in their nutrition. First of all, it is essential to limit salt intake because excessive salt consumption can cause fluid accumulation in the body and increase the heart load.
Minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, important for heart health, should be taken in sufficient amounts. At the same time, it is recommended to consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as fatty fish, avocados, and walnuts, which positively affect heart health.
Water and Salt Consumption in Heart Failure
Attention should be paid to water and salt consumption in heart failure. Limiting salt intake reduces fluid accumulation in the body and relieves the heart load. In addition, water consumption should be kept under control.
When is a Pacemaker Used in the Heart Failure Treatment?
In treating the disease, a pacemaker may be necessary to ensure the heart's the normal rhythm or the regular functioning of all parts of the heart. The pacemaker regulates the heart rate by controlling the heart's electrical signals. It is usually used where drug therapy or other treatments are insufficient.
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Heart Failure?
Yes, high blood pressure can lead to the weakening of the heart muscles and heart failure over time because high blood pressure can cause the heart to work harder and cause the heart muscles to tire and weaken over time.
What are The Symptoms that Will Require a Visit to the Doctor?
Heart failure symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the ankles, heavy legs, chest pain and palpitations. These symptoms may indicate heart failure. Therefore, it should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, symptoms such as sudden and severe shortness of breath, chest pain and feeling of fainting should be consulted with a doctor immediately.
What Should a Heart Failure Patient Do?
It is significant for patients with heart failure to follow their treatment plan and adapt to lifestyle changes. It is also important to contact the doctor in case of any change in the disease symptoms.
What are the Lifestyle Changes to be Made for Heart Failure?
Lifestyle changes that should be made in the heart failure treatment include:
- Healthy eating
- Stress management
- Regular exercise
- Not smoking and alcohol use
- Compliance with the treatment plan
- Limiting salt intake
- Regular doctor visits