THERE are around 200,000 new diagnoses of heart failure every year in the UK.
Heart failure is when the heart becomes less able to pump blood, and the changes may become noticeable over time.
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Spotting the symptoms as early as possible is important because it can lead to serious complications such as blood clots, which can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism (a life-threatening blockage in a lung artery).
Dr Rosie Godeseth, a cardiologist who’s now Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health, said the symptoms of heart failure can vary in severity and from person to person, but one symptom to be wary of is difficulty sleeping flat.
She explained: “Sometimes people will experience fluid buildup in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe when lying down.
“If you find yourself having to be propped up on pillows while you sleep or are waking up short of breath, then book an appointment to see a doctor who may recommend undergoing a sleep study or heart function tests.”
Read more on heart health
Dr Godeseth spoke of three other symptoms of heart failure that might be easily missed.
A persistent cough or wheezing occurs following a fluid buildup in the lungs, said Dr Godeseth.
She advised: “It’s important to speak to a doctor if you have had a cough for more than three weeks, especially if any mucus produced is pink or blood-tinged.”
People might not always know swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet is a sign of heart failure, but if your heart is struggling to pump your blood effectively, it can lead to fluid retention.
Dr Godeseth said: “It’s important to speak to a doctor if swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath.”
She also spoke of weight gain caused by heart failure, saying: “When the heart isn’t effectively pumping, it can lead to reduced blood flow in the kidneys.
“These organs regulate fluid and sodium balance, so they respond to the reduced blood flow by retaining fluid and sodium.
“This fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues, particularly the lower limbs, abdomen and sometimes even the lungs.”
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the cause of one in four UK deaths.
Just over seven million people in the UK suffer from heart and CVD diseases – which is twice as high as the number of people living with cancer and Alzheimer’s combined.
While many people are making healthy choices to improve their heart health, the misconceptions around who is more likely to suffer from heart disease is concerning, said Godeseth.
She said: “It suggests people don’t fully understand the risks and lifestyle changes to reduce these.
“It’s really important not to assume heart health is something that should only be considered, or focused on, once you’re older as the actions we make today go a huge way in preventing illness in the future.
“In fact, 80 per cent of heart disease cases and strokes are preventable.”
Reduce your risk
Dr Godeseth recommends the following steps to improve heart health in the long-term.
Healthy diet
Having a healthy balanced diet which consists of plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fibre is key to having a healthy heart in the long term.
It’s not about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food, instead it’s about making regular choices, that limit ultra-processed foods and focus on having a balanced diet.
Incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and fibre is particularly impactful in strengthening your heart.
Physical activity
Being active can reduce your risk of CVD by 35 per cent, as it helps to control blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol, and can control your blood glucose levels.
Avoid tobacco
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with those who have never smoked.
If you are a smoker, giving up is one of the biggest things you can do to help your heart.
It can be very difficult to give up, but you can speak to your GP who will be able to advise on how best to start.
Know your numbers
Keeping track of your cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure can be a great way to detect early warning signs and can help you identify any changes over time you might be unaware of otherwise.
What can put you at risk of heart failure
Age – people over 65 are more likely to develop heart failure because ageing can stiffen and weaken the heart muscle.
Family history of heart failure – a family history of heart failure increases the risk of developing it.
Unhealthy habits – unhealthy habits like smoking, heavy alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of heart failure.
Other medical conditions – other medical conditions that can increase the risk of heart failure include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, anaemia, and thyroid disease.
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