diseases
Heart failure: definition, causes and disease course
In case of cardiac insufficiency too little pumping power of the hollow muscle takes place. The heart is the motor of life: the right ventricle takes "spent" blood from the circulation and passes it on to the lungs. Here it is enriched with fresh oxygen and then enters the left ventricle. This eventually pumps the blood into the aortic artery to supply the organs. Cardiac insufficiency - such as arterial narrowing, valvular heart failure, arrhythmia or hypertension - affects one or both of the chambers. The blood builds up.
To compensate for heart failure, myocardium and ventricles enlarge. But this does not help in the long run, but worsens the condition of the patient. At the beginning there are often no noticeable complaints. Heart failure is only detected by examination. Later, physical stress causes respiratory distress, rapid heartbeat, tightness in the chest and rapid fatigue. Other signs of cardiac insufficiency include water retention on the ankles, legs or other parts of the body. Even more frequent nocturnal urgency occurs in heart failure. The weakness in performance increases and finally the symptoms appear even with physical rest.
Treatment of heart failure
There are medications that help with heart failure. Even in the early, symptom-free stage, they are important to inhibit the progression of heart failure. Massive physical training as directed by the doctor is useful. If necessary, surgery to improve blood flow or a cardiac pacemaker in a cardiac insufficiency are needed.
Heart failure: prevention and self-help
A healthy, balanced diet is very important in heart failure. Healthy omega-3 fatty acids also protect the heart. In addition, one should not smoke in a heart failure. Overweight should be reduced and you should provide enough exercise. If you suffer from high blood pressure or have elevated cholesterol levels, it is important to seek medical treatment.
