How to Prevent Heart Failure in Humans
The symptoms of heart failure are a condition that should not be taken lightly. If these symptoms are not promptly examined and addressed, various serious complications may arise, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent heart failure in humans.
Heart failure is a condition characterized by the weakening of the heart muscle, which impairs its ability to effectively pump blood and oxygen throughout the body. This condition serves as the underlying cause of various symptoms associated with heart failure. Depending on the severity of the disease, the symptoms may be persistent or may fluctuate in intensity.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Some individuals may not recognize that the symptoms they are experiencing are early indicators of heart failure. The following are several symptoms that may occur in cases of heart failure:
1. Difficulty in breathing
Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of heart failure, typically occurring during physical activity. However, as heart failure progresses, this shortness of breath may also manifest during periods of rest. This sensation often intensifies when the individual is lying down, potentially causing disturbances in sleep and leading to awakenings during the night.
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2. Fatigue and dizziness
A reduction in blood supply from the heart to the muscles can lead to rapid fatigue and lethargy, particularly during physical activities. Similarly, when the brain does not receive an adequate blood supply, it becomes deprived of oxygen, resulting in frequent dizziness or even confusion.
3. Swelling of the foot
When the heart pump is not functioning optimally, the body tends to accumulate fluids that should be excreted by the kidneys. As a result, swelling (edema) occurs in various parts of the body. This swelling typically begins in the feet and ankles, and may progress to higher areas, such as the abdomen and internal organs, as the condition advances.
4. Appetite has diminished
As previously mentioned, the accumulation of excess fluid in the body due to heart failure can also occur in the abdomen, including the liver. This condition leads to a sensation of fullness in the abdomen and nausea, resulting in a decreased appetite.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, other symptoms of heart failure may include a rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), frequent urination, particularly at night, difficulty concentrating, weight gain due to fluid retention, and chest pain if heart failure is accompanied by coronary artery disease.
How to Prevent Heart Failure in Humans
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the most effective measure to prevent heart failure. Several steps you can take include:
- It is essential to consume a balanced diet consisting of healthy and nutritious foods while limiting the intake of processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
- Maintain an ideal and balanced body weight, as obesity can elevate the risk of heart failure.
- Engaging in regular physical activity at a light to moderate intensity, such as aerobic exercises, walking, cycling, or swimming, is essential for maintaining heart muscle strength.
- Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and begin the process of quitting smoking.
- Conduct regular examinations of blood pressure, as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, to comprehensively monitor your health condition.
If you have conditions that are risk factors for heart failure, such as hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease, taking medication and regularly consulting with your doctor can decrease the likelihood of developing heart failure.
It is essential to understand that heart failure is a serious medical condition and ranks among the leading causes of death in Indonesia. However, by recognizing the symptoms of heart failure early, this disease can be managed more effectively, thereby reducing the risk of complications and mortality.
Therefore, if you experience the aforementioned symptoms of heart failure, particularly if you also possess risk factors for heart failure, do not hesitate to consult a physician for appropriate treatment.
Thus the explanation about how to prevent heart failure in humans, hopefully the explanation above can be useful.
