HEALTH BROCHURESHAVING A HEART CONDITION

CONDITIONS PROCEDURES GOING TO HOSPITAL SUPPORT GROUPS

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Heart Attack
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Heart Failure

HEART FAILURE
  Heart failure is due to the reduced ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently around the body. However, this does not mean the heart is about to fail or stop completely. Congestive heart failure is the term used to explain the typical symptoms that occur in heart failure from excessive fluid that causes congestion in the body.

Heart failure can occur as a result of damage to the heart muscle (resulting from heart attack or high blood pressure) or as a result of disease (eg viral infection, alcohol damage, valve problems, congenital heart disease.

When the heart does not pump efficiently, the heart has to beat faster and will gradually enlarge to cope with the workload. As a result, the hear weakens and the amount of blood pumped to the body is restricted.

The circulation becomes sluggish causing excess fluid normally excreted by the kidneys to be retained in the body.

Warning signs of Heart Failure
  • Shortness of breath – may be more obvious on exertion or when lying flat.
  • Swelling (oedema) around the ankles and legs.
  • Some people may feel weak and tired.
  • Poor appetite.
  • A dry cough may also be present (due to fluid in the lungs).
  • Excess fluid can cause unusual weight gain.
Action
  • Consult a doctor.
    • Diuretic medication or water tablets to reduce the excessive fluid may be prescribed
    • Vasodilators or ACE inhibitors to open up the blood vessels reducing the pressure the heart has to pump against may be prescribed
    • Lavoxin may be used to strengthen the heart muscle
  • Sleep well-supported with pillows to help shortness of breath
  • Check weight fluctuations.
  • Regular walking within the limits of your comfort and symptoms.
  • Reduce salt intake by:
    • Using herbs rather than salt for flavourings
    • Reduce intake of processed foods (where salt is often used as a preservative)
    • Become for diligent about reading food labels (eg some bottled waters are high in sodium)
    • Avoid adding salt at the table
  • If a smoker, then try to give up.

  










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