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Have you seen anybody with heart failure, especially the one we call congestive ccardiac failure. It is not something you will wish even your worst enemy.
I have had several calls and texts from people diagnosed with heart failure, whose legs are swollen, face puffy and experience easy fatigability, asking, whether their heart failures could be reversed. Or whether they are about to die..
The answers for both questions are “yes “ and “no”. But first of all let us recap from my previous submissions over the years on heart failure. So that all of us would be on the same page about the meaning of heart failure.
Yes, heart failure is a chronic condition that, if untreated typically gets progressively worse over time. Heart failure occurs when the heart fails to adequately perform job of pumping blood through out the body. As a result the body’s tissues and organs may not, according to Prof Shamerd Charles, get enough nutrients and oxygen.
The body’s typical response to heart failure, is to cause sodium retention and excess fluid build up – accumulation. This leads to swelling of lower extremities – edema, and lung congestion. In these cases heart failure is commonly referred to as Congestive Cardiac Failure(CCF).
Heart failure typically gets worse over time, if it is not treated. However research has shown that medical therapy can strengthen the heart. True reversal of heart failure comes from optimizing the powerful medical therapy that has been developed over the last 40 years.
For some people who fail to respond to these treatment procedures, ranging from special pacemakers to open heart surgery may be considered. The following measures can be used to try to reverse heart failure.
Medications, coupled with healthy lifestyle habits with strict blood pressure and blood sugar control can lead to greater reversals of your heart failure symptoms. You and your Cardiologist will determine the best treatment plan for you, based on the type of heart failure you have, the severity of the conditions, and the possible side effects of treatment. They will also explain how to take the medications, especially how often and in what dosage.
If you are diagnosed with heart failure, with reduced ejection fraction, you are likely to be prescribed one of the four very effective medication, beta blockers, renin-angiotensin blockers, digoxins and diuretics.
There is one common fact which appears to be scientifically proven about heart failures. I have stated ad nauseam the steps you must follow if you are to come out of heart failure.
One of the easiest way is to improve your diet, that is replace beverages you drink with water, by eliminating soda, juices and carbonated drinks. You will not only cut out empty calories, you will reduce your sugar intake, too.
Excess sugar intake has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Adopting a healthier diet can also reduce your risk of having another heart attack or stroke. And while you are shelving the sugar, make sure you curb your intake of salty and fatty foods too.
Healthy eating should extend to snacking. So that rather than reaching for the cakes, doughnuts, puf-puf, malt, coke, fanta, you should rather snack on raw fruits, nuts, cucumber, ground nuts, or fruits such as oranges, mangoes, banana instead.
You should find an exercise you enjoy, if you are forcing yourself to do an exercise you hate, you won’t stay on it for a long time habit. Working out is essential for healthy heart, especially when you are recovering from a heart failure. If you would rather be outdoor, ditch the gym and find running or riding bicycle near your home. Take the stairs instead of elevators when in a big corporation or shopping mall.
Before starting any new exercise routine talk with your doctors to make sure you are choosing an activity with intensity level that your failing heart can accommodate.
You at the recuperating stage of your heart failure, gather some details about health of your family members. Ask your siblings, parents and grandparents, about their health conditions. Find out if any of your relatives had heart disease or some genetic condition that could have been passed down between generations. Once you have this information, go over it in details with your doctor. They can help you understand the symptoms to look for and the tests you might need to have
Arming yourself with a solid health plan means that a family history of heart disease and stroke does not have to stop you in your tracks.
Minimizing stress is critical to keeping your blood pressure down after heart failure. Meditation is a great way to de-stress. Start your day by prayer and meditation or practice it later on for a calming midday break. Focus on your breathing, even if it is difficult because of your heart failure, then gently push away thoughts about work. Do not focus on having a blank mind. Instead consider how your body feels in the moment.
You can also diminish stress by changing your way of movement. While you feel tiresome by that hour long drive to work, you could make it more peaceful. If the news stresses you out, switch to a music channel or magic Africa. While walking or relaxing at home, take time to call a friend or family member you want to catch up with.
Get better sleep – most people with heart failure cannot sleep flat, because of difficulty in breathing. You should be propped up with pillows, or you can install hospital beds in your home that could be raised to 90 degrees to enable sleep you sleep without discomfort. Proper sleep is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of heart health.
You might eat right and stay active and avoid emotional stress, but if your body does not get adequate rest, none of it will work. Factors such as an urban lifestyle pressure at work and long commutes can contribute to inadequate sleep. Getting good sleep is not just important for your energy levels, it is critical for your heart health
Inadequate sleep slows your metabolism which can cause you to gain weight and it can spike your blood pressure which puts stress on your heart. Adults who get less than seven hours of sleep at night are more likely to have severe chronic health condition, including repeat heart attack after their heart failure.
While every person has difficulty sleeping. Most of of us need seven to eight hours of sleep every night. But quality sleep is the key.
Heart failure worsens over time, so you must monitor your symptoms and be familiar with changes in your body. Weigh yourself daily to track fluid retention, indicated by a sudden weight gain.
Keep tract of blood pressure, weight and other vital signs as your doctor advises. Get lab work done as recommended, as it gives key clues to your heart health and medication needs.
Congestive Cardiac Failure is a serious condition but with help you can still lead a long and productive life. Because anxiety and depression, which can cause you to feel stressed are common side effects. Always be medically guided.
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