In modern times, there are many different factors that can affect the heart and its efficiency in pumping blood and providing oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to different parts of the organs. When the function of the heart deteriorates, daily life may feel like a burden. Climbing stairs is hard work, doing daily household chores makes you tired quickly, and coughing and shortness of breath are a constant companion. Heart failure does not mean that the heart is not working at all, but it does mean that its natural pumping ability is reduced. Although there is no cure for this condition, people affected by this condition can enjoy a reasonably high quality of life by making certain lifestyle changes to help them live longer. (Also read | Heat waves and heart attacks: What is the connection? How to overcome extreme heat and manage your heart health)
Heart health can be affected by environmental causes, psychological reasons, nutrient deficiencies, poor dietary choices, and chronic inflammation due to certain illnesses or heat waves. Optimizing your heart’s function requires paying attention to all aspects of your health.
Extreme temperatures can affect the function of the heart because the organ has to work very hard to maintain an ideal temperature. Eating too much sugar can put stress on your heart, and stress itself is a major risk factor for heart disease.
what is heart failure
One of the most important organs of the body is the heart, which pumps blood to all parts of the body. The incidence of heart disease is increasing in young people and is due to a number of factors including poor lifestyle choices, underlying heart disease, personal family history, or environmental factors such as pollutants, noise, and extreme heat. This factor is the main cause of medical conditions such as sudden cardiac arrest. , heart failure (HF) and heart attack,”
Of these, 1.8 million hospitalizations due to heart failure occur annually in India, affecting 2-3% of the world’s total population. Heart failure is one of the leading medical causes of hospitalization in older adults. Unfortunately, heart failure is becoming increasingly common, making it important to understand its unexpected causes and tips for living longer.
Unexpected causes of heart failure
According to Dr. Manish Jha, director of Lucknow’s Charak Heart Institute and interventional cardiac specialist, “Apart from the common causes of heart failure such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Unexpected causes of heart failure include:
1. Sleep apnea syndrome: A sleep disorder characterized by cessation of breathing during sleep. This condition puts a strain on the heart and increases the risk of heart failure. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is essential that you seek medical attention immediately.
2. Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of heart disease. To maintain adequate vitamin D levels, spend time outdoors, eat vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms, and take supplements. It’s a target. ”
3. Air pollution: Air pollution is a major cause of heart disease, and particulate matter causes inflammation and damage to the heart muscle. To reduce exposure to air pollution, individuals should avoid high traffic areas, use air purifiers at home, and wear masks when appropriate.
4. Poor dental hygiene: Poor dental hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Maintaining good dental hygiene requires brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
5. Mental health disorders: Heart failure and depression are quite prevalent in today’s world. Because, in addition to their effect on the brain, these diseases also have a significant impact on the health of the hearth. Chronic stress and negative emotions are two factors that contribute to heart failure.
6. Too much sugar: Too much sugar can lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. To reduce your sugar intake, you should avoid processed foods, choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and read food labels carefully.
7. Unhealthy gut: Imbalanced gut flora contributes to inflammation, heart disease, and heart failure. Gut health is extremely important to heart health and an individual’s overall health.
8. Noise pollution: One of the main risks for heart failure is exposure to loud noises, such as traffic or construction sounds. The stress caused by these noises can increase blood pressure and put stress on the heart.
9. Chronic inflammation: Chronic diseases that cause inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis, increase the risk of heart failure because increased levels of inflammation are harmful to the heart.
10. Heatwave: Intense heat primarily affects the cardiovascular system, as it puts pressure on the heart. As temperatures rise, cases of heart failure are consistently increasing.
Tips for extending lifespan
Treatment of heart failure aims to manage the conditions that cause heart failure, reduce the burden on the heart, and prevent heart failure from worsening.
“Changes in your lifestyle are the first step to a better and healthier heart. There are many medications that your doctor may prescribe based on your diagnosis. If your doctor determines that medications cannot restore your heart’s function, Doctors may use the following medications: “Surgical interventions and implants can help improve a patient’s quality of life,” says Dr. Jha.
“Valve replacement is the most basic treatment for heart failure, replacing a human heart valve with a bovine heart valve to restore function. Ventricular assist device (VAD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are It is a common orthodontic treatment for heart patients. In India, CRT devices (cardiac resynchronization therapy) are also implants that have been used for the past 10 years, with half of the results being exceptional. “It’s a man-made device that controls electrical signals, unlike the heart pumping blood,” Dr. Jha added.
Check out all the latest lifestyle news on fashion, Taylor Swift, health, festivals, travel, relationships, recipes and more every day on Hindustan Times website and app.
