Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s demands. The condition can occur on either side of the heart and can be chronic or acute. Oftentimes, it’s caused by preexisting medical conditions, some of which cannot be reversed. Fortunately, proper cardiac care can help manage this condition, and in many cases, it can be prevented. Here’s what you should know. 

What Causes Heart Failure?

Preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes can weaken the heart muscle, impacting its ability to pump blood sufficiently. In coronary artery disease, the leading cause for heart failure, plaque builds up in the arteries, impeding blood flow. Other factors, including irregular heartbeats, congenital heart defects, and damage to the heart caused by drugs or infection, can also lead to failure.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of heart failure often mimic other conditions, which is why it’s important to consult a cardiac care specialist if you think you could have it. Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms and may come on while you’re active or resting. Chronic coughing, swelling in the extremities, and persistent fatigue may also occur. Finally, some patients notice reduced appetite and nausea, as well as cognitive impairment.

How Can You Prevent It?

Controllable risk factors for heart failure include high blood pressure, alcohol and tobacco use, and obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure levels, limiting alcohol, and quitting or avoiding smoking are, therefore, practical ways to reduce your risk of the condition. General cardiac care practices, such as finding healthy stress management practices, following a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, will also help you keep heart failure at bay.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure or you have another cardiac concern, turn to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA in Bergen County, NJ. Offering patient-centered, compassionate cardiac care, this practice specializes in cardiovascular diseases and is led by Dr. Leonard DiVagno, a cardiologist with more than 20 years of experience. See the practice’s full list of services online, or call (201) 845-3535 to schedule an appointment.