Anyone who is constantly tired and repeatedly suffers from shortness of breath should definitely consult their family doctor or a cardiologist. The symptoms could be heart muscle weakness, including heart failure! Up to five percent of all over 75-year-olds in Germany are affected by the disease.
Heart failure - what exactly is it?
In the case of heart failure, the heart is only inadequately able to absorb the blood flowing back from the body and to pump it to the organs. Acute heart failure can develop within hours or even a few days. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
Chronic heart failure develops over a long period of time, usually months or even years. There are different forms of the disease: with left heart failure, the left half of the heart is affected, with right heart failure the right half. If both halves of the heart do not perform adequately, one speaks of global heart failure.
What are the causes?
An inadequately treated high blood pressure, for example, is a possible cause of a weak heart muscle. Coronary artery disease (CHD), a calcification of the coronary arteries, must also be considered as a trigger for heart failure.
The disease manifests itself through reduced performance and shortness of breath, which is triggered by a congestion of blood in front of the heart. In addition, functional disorders of all organs often occur, for example kidney failure, which in turn causes water to accumulate throughout the body and in the legs.
Can you lead a normal and fulfilling life despite a weak heart?
Prof. Dr. Georg Ertl, Director of the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I of the University Clinic Würzburg:
- "Yes, you can lead a full life with heart failure. However, basic rules must be adhered to, such as checking your weight every day to quantify the water level, measuring blood pressure and pulse rate and taking the medication very carefully. All of this should under the supervision of a specially trained and dedicated cardiologist. "
Pay attention to a healthy lifestyle
Anyone who has heart failure must value a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
A balanced and high-fiber diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, little meat, lots of fish and healthy oils helps to improve performance and well-being and reduces overweight in the medium term. Physical exercise - if possible - is good for the circulation and body. However, it is important to consult a doctor before starting.
How does the doctor treat?
The aim of medical therapy is always to treat an underlying disease that triggers it and to reduce risk factors. For example, blood pressure that is too high must be reduced to the best possible value. Prof. Dr. Georg Ertl also has great hopes for a treatment option for chronic heart failure, which, according to an analysis of a groundbreaking study, can probably help every fourth person affected.
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