Symptoms of heart failure is a condition that should not be underestimated. If the symptoms of heart failure are not immediately checked and treated, various serious complications can occur which can be fatal.
Heart failure is a condition when the heart muscle weakens and is unable to pump blood and oxygen optimally throughout the body. This condition is the basis for the occurrence of complaints in heart failure. Depending on the severity of the disease, the symptoms of heart failure may be constant or intermittent.
Various Symptoms of Heart Failure
Some people may not realize the symptoms they feel are early symptoms of heart failure. Here are some of the symptoms of heart failure that can occur:
1. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is the main symptom of heart failure that generally occurs during activity. However, if the condition of heart failure worsens, shortness of breath can also occur when you are not doing anything. This tightness will usually be more disturbing when the patient lies down and can make him wake up in the middle of the night.
2. Fatigue and dizziness
Reduced blood supply from the heart from the heart to the muscles can make you tired and lethargic, especially during activities. Likewise when the brain does not get enough blood supply. The brain becomes deprived of oxygen and makes you often feel dizzy or even confused.
3. Swelling of the legs
When the heart pump does not work optimally, the body tends to accumulate fluid that should be excreted through the kidneys. As a result, there is swelling (edema) in several parts of the body. Swelling usually starts in the feet and ankles, then moves to higher places, such as the abdomen and internal organs, as the disease progresses.
4. Decreased appetite
As mentioned above, excess fluid in the body due to heart failure can also accumulate in the stomach, including the liver. This condition causes the stomach to feel full and nauseous, so that the appetite is reduced.
In addition to the above symptoms, other symptoms of heart failure that may appear include a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty concentrating, weight gain due to fluid buildup, and chest pain. when heart failure is accompanied by coronary heart disease.
How to Prevent Heart Failure
Living a healthy lifestyle is the most effective measure in preventing heart failure. Some steps you can take are:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and limit processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
- Maintain an ideal and balanced body weight, because obesity can increase the risk of heart failure.
- Routinely exercise with light or moderate intensity, such as aerobic exercise, walking, cycling, or swimming to maintain heart muscle strength.
- Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and start quitting smoking.
- Check your blood pressure, as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels regularly to monitor your overall health condition.
If you already have conditions that are risk factors for heart failure, such as hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease, taking medication and seeing your doctor regularly can reduce your chances of developing heart failure.
You need to understand that heart failure is a serious medical condition that is one of the highest causes of death in Indonesia. However, by recognizing the symptoms of heart failure early, this disease can be better controlled, so the risk of complications and death is also reduced.
Therefore, if you feel the symptoms of heart failure above, especially if you also have risk factors for heart failure, don't delay seeing a doctor to get the right treatment.