Heart failure can be prevented with some healthy lifestyle modifications
Highlights
- High blood pressure can trigger the risks of heart failure
- Narrowed arteries also contribute to heart failure
- Early stages of heart failure can be controlled
Heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure. It is a condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood normally like a healthy heart. This restricts the blood flow which does not allow the different body parts to receive sufficient blood. There are multiple conditions which lead to weakening of the muscles like high blood pressure. Narrowed arteries are also responsible for the improper flow of blood. If left untreated heart failure can trigger the risk of a heart attack. Lack of blood flow throughout the body will affect multiple organs as well. You may experience fluid retention in different body parts. Timely treatment can help you prevent the complications of heart failure.
Symptoms of heart failure
If detected on time, early stages of heart failure can be controlled. Symptoms of heart failure can also be controlled with some preventive measures. You need to understand the symptoms of heart failure for proper treatment. Here are the symptoms of heart failure you must know.
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal swelling
- Unintentional weight gain due to fluid retention
- Swelling legs, ankles and feet
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty in completing workout
- Ways to prevent heart failure
Heart Failure Prevention Steps
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the simplest way to prevent heart failure. There are multiple modifiable factors which can be controlled. Here are some simple modifications which you can make to prevent your risk of heart failure. These changes will also help you strengthen your heart and promote its overall health.
1. Keep your cholesterol under control
Cholesterol affects your heart health initially. Bad cholesterol levels can increase the risk of multiple heart diseases including heart failure. You need to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis to keep your cholesterol under control.
A healthy diet can help you control your cholesterol levels
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Also read: Heart Failure: 6 Most Important Causes You Must Know
2. Quit smoking
Smoking is extremely unhealthy for your overall health. Smoking can affect more than your lungs. To keep the risk of heart failure at bay you need to formulate a plan to quit smoking on urgent basis.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help you prevent the risk of multiple risks naturally. Regular exercise will keep you fit and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise will promote the proper flow of blood throughout the body.
Also read: Skipping Breakfast Linked With Narrowing Of Arteries: Study
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases the risk of multiple diseases. You should maintain a healthy weight by involving more movement throughout the day. A balanced diet with limited calories will improve your heart health as well as maintain a healthy weight.
A healthy body weight reduces the risk of multiple diseases
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5. Eat right
A healthy diet can improve your heart health. Consume a balanced diet and avoid highly processed foods. Also avoid carbonated drinks, fried food and added sugar. Eating clean is the key to keep the risk of multiple diseases at bay.
Also read: Heart Health: Artery Cleansing Foods You Must Include In Your Diet
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.