Heart failure is a condition that affects around 600,000 people in Italy. There are approximately 87,000 new cases each year with an average age of 65.
This is a problem that grows from year to year, so much so that it is the number one cause of hospitalization for this age group.
Heart failure basically occurs when the heart fails to pump the right amount of blood, which is necessary for the body to function.
Typically, this disorder arises as a result of pathologies that weaken the heart muscle.
The most common causes include valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and obesity.
However, the sign of heart failure could be this symptom that we often underestimate
In the initial phase, it is not always easy to diagnose heart failure due to the absence of symptoms.
In the early stage, in fact, quite common symptoms are felt, such as breathlessness following major efforts.
However, over time, symptoms may become more evident precisely because the heart no longer supplies the necessary blood to the brain, organs and muscles.
The first symptom, which is often underestimated, could be dyspnea, ie shortness of breath or the so-called “hunger for air”. In already critical cases, this disorder could manifest itself not only under exertion but also at rest.
Other common symptoms could be: fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, bloating, confusion and memory loss.
Diagnosis and visits
So, we have seen that the indicator of heart failure could be this symptom that we often underestimate, but not only.
To verify the presence, and especially the severity, of heart failure, it is necessary to undergo specific examinations and visits.
For this reason, in fact, those who are 50 years old must carry out these 3 life-saving preventive visits.
These certainly include the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, to which blood tests could also be added.
Treatments and drugs
The treatments currently used to counter this disorder are mainly pharmacological. As reported by the esteemed Veronesi Foundation, a study showed that the ACE inhibitors would be effective in treating heart failure.
In fact, these drugs are usually used to keep blood pressure at bay. In fact, they are quite effective in treating other ailments as well.
However, it is good to know that those on certain medications should avoid eating these types of fruit.
Prevention
To prevent heart failure, lifestyle changes need to be made to preserve heart health.
Therefore it is important to keep cholesterol levels under control, perhaps by introducing this oil in the diet. In addition to this, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes and fish is recommended.
Space, however, for white meat rather than red, and stop at sausages, salt and sweets.
Furthermore, it is necessary to limit the consumption of coffee and alcohol, and completely eliminate cigarette smoke.
Finally, it is advisable to do adequate physical activity and sleep at least 7 or 8 hours every night.
In any case, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor or nutritionist.