The characteristics of a weak heart may not be felt at first. Symptoms of this condition usually only appear when it gets worse. Therefore, it is important to recognize the characteristics of a weak heart so that it can be detected early and treatment can be done immediately.
Weak heart or cardiomyopathy is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle weakens so it can't pump blood around the body properly.
Weak heart disease often has no known cause. However, there are several factors that can make a person more at risk of developing heart failure, including:
- Elderly (over 65 years)
- Family history or parents who suffer from heart failure
- Drug side effects
- Smoking habits and consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Certain diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and infections
If not treated immediately, weak heart will lead to heart failure and even death.
Characteristics of Weak Heart
In the early stages, the characteristics of weak heart usually can not be seen clearly or even without symptoms. When it enters a more advanced stage or is already severe, the characteristics of a new heart weakness are visible and can be felt. Following are its characteristics:
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, abdomen, and blood vessels in the neck
- Easily tired and tired
- Cough often when lying down
- Heart beat is very fast and pounding
- Chest feels heavy or compressed
- Dizziness and headache
- Hard to breathe
- Frequent fainting, especially after doing physical activity
Handling of Conditions Weak Heart
To determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are signs of a weak heart, you need to see a doctor. In diagnosing a weak heart, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- blood test
- Cardiac angiography
- Chest X-ray
- Heart muscle biopsy
After the diagnosis of heart failure is confirmed, the treatment of heart failure will be adjusted according to the severity of the symptoms, the course of the disease, and the accompanying diseases that the patient has. Handling weak heart can be done by using drugs or through heart surgery.
Heart Weakness Prevention Measures
Weak heart generally can not be prevented, especially if the cause is genetic or hereditary factors. However, the risk of developing this disease can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages and drugs
- Check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels regularly
- Sufficient sleep
- Control stress
- Doing exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
If you experience the characteristics of a weak heart or have a risk of developing a weak heart, don't hesitate to consult a doctor so that the examination and treatment can be carried out appropriately and quickly.
Another thing you also need to remember is that heart disease can attack anyone, whether it's the elderly, adults, or children. Therefore, you must always be vigilant.