By : Medical Studnet | Fatima Sami
Heart failure is considered one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, especially with advancing age. Studies indicate that more than six million people in the United States alone suffer from this condition. Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to perform its primary function—pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body’s organs and receiving oxygen-poor blood in return. As this ability declines, the body fails to receive an adequate blood supply, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and legs and directly affecting the patient’s life and daily activities due to complications in various vital systems.
One of the most prominent signs of heart failure is shortness of breath. Initially, this may appear during physical activity, but it can progress to occur even at rest or during sleep, where patients may wake up from episodes of breathlessness. This is caused by congestion in the pulmonary veins and fluid leakage into the lungs, which may sometimes result in coughing accompanied by traces of blood.
Many patients also experience swelling and noticeable weight gain due to fluid retention in different parts of the body. This occurs because the weakened heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to blood pooling within the heart and reducing its ability to receive blood returning from the rest of the body. Such weakness often manifests as constant fatigue and exhaustion, since organs are not receiving sufficient blood supply. As a result, even simple daily activities become increasingly tiring.
Another common symptom is an increased and accelerated heartbeat. In an effort to compensate for its weakness, the heart beats faster to pump more blood, but this attempt often adds to the patient’s discomfort and sense of unease.
The causes of heart failure are varied. Chief among them is a weakened heart muscle and long-standing high blood pressure, which places significant strain on both the arteries and the heart. Other contributing factors include kidney disease, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. Certain medical treatments, such as some forms of chemotherapy, may also negatively impact heart health.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and reduce complications. Recognizing the symptoms and responding to them with urgency is therefore a vital step toward protecting the heart and preserving overall health.
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