Dr Oz: Heart Failure
Every minute, at least one person is diagnosed with heart failure. That means there are approximately one million new heart failure patients each year. But yet still, heart failure symptoms are hardly recognized, partly due to people not understanding the condition. Dr Oz wanted to clear up the confusion about heart failure and share the signs and symptoms you should look out for, as well as what you can do to manage the condition. But first, lets take a look at what heart failure is, on the next page…
Dr Oz: What Is Heart Failure?
Dr Oz discussed the signs and symptoms of heart failure as well as the facts you need to know to prolong and improve your quality of life. (Erix / Flickr)
First, what is heart failure? Normally, blood comes into the right heart heart, up to the lungs where the blood is cleaned, and then the clean blood comes into the left heart, loaded with oxygen, where it’s pumped out. That’s how it’s supposed to work. But when the heart pumps blood, it’s supposed to pump a lot to the brain and the rest of the body. But during heart failure, if it’s caused by high blood pressure, a muscle in the heart gets thicker and blood isn’t pushed out as efficiently.
Dr Oz: Heart Failure Signs
But more commonly, that muscle gets too thin because of a heart attack or similar problem. In order to compensate, the heart because really dilated and swollen, but very little blood comes out. It’s hard for the heart to move blood in that condition.
Fortunately, heart failure can be managed by lifestyle changes and medication. Guidelines recommend updated treatment options which is why it’s important for patients to check with their doctor to make sure their treatment regimen is still right for them.
Dr Oz: Heart Failure Symptoms
Dr Oz welcomed nurse practitioner Beth Davidson on behalf of Novartis. Beth explained that heart failure can be really subtle and is often unrecognized because people associate with signs of aging. The most common symptom is shortness of breath, especially while climbing stairs.
Dr Oz: Symptoms of Heart Failure
Another symptom is edema, or swelling, especially in the legs or feet. Heart failure patients also typically complain of shortness of breath when lying down and having to either prop themselves up with pillows or sleep in a recliner. Patients will also complain about fatigue even while trying to take part in regular daily activities like going to the mailbox or walking the dog. If the patient gains more than three pounds in a day or five pounds in a week, their medication regimen may need to be adjusted because of water retention.
If the person tells you they’re just getting older or “slowing down,” don’t buy it. Instead, have them to talk to their doctor.
Dr Oz: Heart Failure Foods To Avoid
For those suffering from heart failure, it’s important to keep your appointments and keep up communication with your medical team. Communicate changes in your symptoms or if they worsen. It’s also important to keep taking your medications as prescribed and stay as active as you possibly can. Chances are you’ll need periods of rest, but don’t let that keep you from staying active.
Dr Oz: Hidden Salt
Lastly, limit sodium or salt in the diet. Salt doesn’t help with fluid retention. If you follow that advice, it can make a huge difference not only in your quality of life but in how long your live as well.
Regarding sodium, Dr Oz wanted to make it clear that it’s less about the table salt you’re adding to your food but more about the sodium already in the food you’re eating. You want to avoid breads, rolls, cold cuts, cured meats, pizza, sandwiches, and canned soups. It’s more important than ever to read food labels and understand how much sodium is in the food you’re eating.
Dr Oz: How To Manage Heart Failure
Dr Oz introduced a man named Vic who has been living with heart failure for two years. He said he didn’t notice anything was wrong until he was actually diagnosed with heart failure, because he had always lived a pretty active, healthy lifestyle. He ignored the signs or never noticed them but now that he’s been diagnosed, he’s much more engaged in his own health and checks his vitals every day. He’s also careful to watch his sodium intake.
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