heart failure
Featured Health & Fitness

What Is Heart Failure? Who Is At Risk? What Are The Signs/Symptoms?

@SpectacularMag

Compared with other race/ethnic groups, Black patients have the highest incidence and prevalence of heart failure (HF) as well as the worst clinical outcomes. Community Health Coalition (CHC) strives to create a society in which all people live healthy, active, and purpose-driven lives. During the month of February, Healthy Heart Month, CHC wants to ensure community understands heart failure, who is at risk, and the signs/symptoms.

What is Heart Failure?

heart failureHeart failure means that the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should be. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably.

Your body depends on the heart’s pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally. With HF, the weakened heart can’t supply the cells with enough blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath and some people have coughing. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries can become very difficult.

Who is at Risk for Heart Failure?

Anyone can develop HF. It’s more likely to happen as you age. Most people who develop HF have and/or had another heart condition first. There are three most common conditions that can lead to HF such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or a previous heart attack. 

All of us lose some blood-pumping ability in our hearts as we age, but HF results from the added stress of health conditions that either damage the heart or make it work too hard. All of the lifestyle factors that increase your risk of heart attack and stroke – smoking, being overweight, eating foods high in fat and cholesterol, and physical inactivity – can also contribute to HF.

Signs and Symptoms-
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing
  • Buildup of excess fluid in body tissue
  • Tiredness/fatigue
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Confusion/impaired thinking
  • Increased heart rate

For more information on heart health visit American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/

Visit Community Health Coalition at www.communityhealthcoalition.com/