Have you recently realized that you have heart failure and are wondering how long you can expect to live with it?
Don't worry, you are not alone! 😌
Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question, as each case is different!
This disease is more common than you might think and there are many treatments and management options that can help extend your life.
It's true that heart failure can cause serious problems, but that doesn't mean your life is over.
In fact, if you take care of your heart By following your doctor's instructions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking your medications, you could live a long and happy life.
So it's crucial to follow your doctor's recommendations and take charge of your heart health. 🫀
In this article we will learn about the factors that can influence the length of time you live with heart failure, the treatments available and the preventive measures you can take to improve your quality of life.
So, ready to take charge of your heart health ? Let's get started! 😀
What is heart failure: the difference between left and right heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart has trouble pumping enough blood through the body. 🩸
There are two types of heart failure: left heart failure and right heart failure.
Heart failure Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
This usually occurs when the heart is damaged by a disease such as atherosclerosis or high blood pressure, which makes the heart unable to contract effectively.
Right-sided heart failure occurs when the heart cannot fill the heart chambers with enough blood.
This may be due to lung disease or high blood pressure in the veins that supply the heart.
How does heart failure start: the different causes? 🤔
There are a variety of causes that can lead to heart failure. The most common causes are heart diseases such as:
👉Atherosclerosis: a disease that occurs when arteries become blocked with fat and cholesterol deposits, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure.
👉High blood pressure: high blood pressure that can damage blood vessels and the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
👉Cardiomyopathy: a disease that affects the structure or function of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure.
👉Myocardial infarction: a disease that occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is cut off, which can lead to heart failure.
👉Valvulopathy: a disease that affects the heart valves, which can lead to heart failure.
There are also other causes that can lead to heart failure, such as lung disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, anemia, certain tumors and infections.
It is important to note that certain risk factors such as smoking, alcoholism, a high-fat diet, obesity lack of physical exercise and stress can increase the chances of developing heart failure.
What are the symptoms of heart failure: cough, shortness of breath & others? 😮💨
The symptoms of heart failure vary depending on the severity of the condition and the part of the heart that is affected.
Common symptoms of heart failure include:
👉Shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion or while lying down
👉Cough with sputum, especially at night
👉Fatigue
👉Chest pain or discomfort
👉Swelling of the legs, feet and ankles
👉An irregular heartbeat
👉A loss of appetite
👉Weight loss
It is important to consult a cardiologist if you have any of these symptoms, as heart failure can be serious if left untreated
What are the stages of insufficiency?nce of the heart?
Heart failure is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is important to understand the stages of heart failure so that it can be diagnosed and managed properly. 😌
Generally, heart failure has four stages, each with a different degree of severity.
Stage one heart failure is considered mild and its onset is usually gradual, while stage four is considered very severe and deterioration tends to occur rapidly.
Symptoms differ in different stages, but may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, decreased activity tolerance, frequent urination at night and weight gain due to fluid retention.
In order to preserve overall heart health, it is essential to identify the stages of heart failure early and take the necessary steps to slow its progression or prevent it altogether. 🫀
Is it serious to have this heart problem?
Heart failure is a serious medical condition that should not be taken lightly!
Heart failure is a serious medical condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. 🥵
When the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, it can lead to health problems such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, chest pain, edema, rhythm disturbances and an increased risk of stroke.
If heart failure is diagnosed and treated appropriately, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life. ✨
However, when heart failure is poorly managed, it can lead to frequent hospitalization and shortened life spans.
Therefore, it is important to see a cardiologist if you have symptoms of heart failure and follow treatment instructions to maintain good heart health!
How long can you live with heart failure: life expectancy? ⏱️
Life expectancy for people with heart failure depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease, response to treatment and the presence of other medical conditions.
In general, people with mild to moderate heart failure can live a relatively normal life if they follow appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
In these cases, life expectancy is similar to that of the general population.
However, people with severe or very severe heart failure may have a reduced life expectancy.
According to studies, people with severe heart failure can have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years after diagnosis.
However, it is important to note that this varies considerably from person to person and there are cases where patients live longer with good disease management.
It is essential to consult regularly a cardiologist to monitor the evolution of heart failure and adapt the treatment accordingly. 🧑⚕️
How does this chronic heart disease progress?
Heart failure is a chronic disease that can progress over time. 📈
Symptoms may worsen or improve depending on response to treatment and lifestyle changes.
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be mild and occur only with significant physical exertion.
Over time, however, symptoms can worsen and occur even during normal activities or at rest.
If the disease is not treated appropriately, it can also lead to a shortened life span.
It is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor the progress of heart failure and adjust treatment accordingly.
Is heart failure curable: the various treatments? 🧑⚕️
Heart failure is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured.
However, it can be managed with appropriate treatments to improve quality of life and extend life expectancy.
Treatments for heart failure may include:
👉Medications: diuretics to remove excess fluid, vasodilators to improve blood flow, and other medications that act on the heart to improve cardiac contractility, reduce blood pressure and regulate heart rhythm.
👉Lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing tobacco use, reducing alcohol use and exercise practice.
👉Surgical procedures: a procedure to repair or replace a part of the body. heart valve to repair a valve leak or reduce the size of the heart.
It is important to consult a cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The treatment is adapted according to the severity of the disease and the general health of each patient. 😌
Patients should continue to follow their doctor's recommendations to maintain good heart health and avoid complications.
Can you work with heart failure or heart failure? 👜
It is possible to continue working with heart failure, but this depends on the severity of the disease and the person's ability to manage the symptoms.
People with mild to moderate heart failure can usually continue to work if they follow appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle. ✨
However, it is important to talk to your doctor to assess the risks associated with your work and adapt your work activities accordingly.
People with severe or very severe heart failure may have difficulty working because of fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and other symptoms.
It may be necessary to reduce work hours, change jobs or take sick leave to manage the illness.
It is important to discuss with your employer and your cardiologist to assess the risks and adapt your work activities accordingly.
Take the lead today to ensure your heart health is on track! 🫀
At the Centre d'évaluation cardiovasculaire de Laval, we are committed to supporting you in living a life of vitality and longevity.
Make an appointment now at one of our clinics: Laval, Mascouche and Vaudreuil-Dorion - it's time to get your heart health check 😀
