New Delhi, April 23 - Dr. T.S. Clare, cardiologist at Max Hospital, has said that heart failure is a scary word, but advances in modern medical science have controlled it to a great extent. He said that with awareness, timely care, lifestyle changes and medical advice, it can be controlled to a great extent and a good life can be lived.
He said that in heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively according to the body's needs. This does not mean that the heart has stopped working, but it is no longer as effective as before. There can be many causes for this condition, with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attacks, heart valve disease, infection or genetic reasons being the most common causes.
Its symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, rapid heartbeat and persistent cough. He said that though the condition of heart failure cannot be completely cured, it can be managed very effectively. He said that with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people are leading long and active lives.
He said that the patient should reduce salt intake, monitor fluid intake, avoid alcohol and smoking, check his weight daily, exercise as advised by the doctor, keep blood pressure and sugar under control and have a healthy diet.