Can heart failure be prevented? Why controlling blood sugar and losing weight are mandatory

A cardiologist explains all about risk factors, symptoms and prevention

heart failure, heart health, indian express

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump oxygen-rich blood as well as it should to other parts of the body and itself weakens over time. (Photo credits: Pexels)

A couple of days ago, a study by a diagnostic laboratory in Delhi and Mumbai revealed how one in four persons with diabetes had elevated markers of heart failure. This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump oxygen-rich blood as well as it should to other parts of the body and itself weakens over time. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath in the patient, who finds even regular activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries very difficult.

In fact, this condition is rising in recent years with a spike in other cardiac risk factors among the general population like uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, cholesterol, obesity and coronary artery disease. It is a lifelong condition but can be managed with a combination of lifestyle discipline, medication and advisories. Unchecked, it leaves the patient no option but to go in for a heart transplant.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

In its initial stages, there may be no evident symptoms except some fatigue, persistent cough, fever and swelling in the legs. As the condition progresses, there might be worsening of symptoms as the heart progressively fails to keep up with the workload. It sometimes enlarges and stretches to contract more strongly and keep up with the body’s demand to pump more blood. The blood vessels narrow to keep blood pressure up. The kidneys retain more salt and water rather than excrete it through urine. This creates increased volume of blood, which helps to maintain blood pressure and allows the heart to pump stronger. But over time this extra volume can overtask the heart, worsening heart failure.

What are triggers of heart failure?

Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause the heart muscle to enlarge, weakening its ability to pump effectively.

Hypertension: High blood pressure can lead to heart failure by preventing the heart from relaxing properly.

Ischemic Heart Disease: This condition arises from narrowed heart arteries, which reduce blood supply to the heart muscle.

Other Conditions: This is brought about by a rare condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy, where excessive consumption of alcohol damages the heart.

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How to avoid heart failure?

Control Diabetes: Maintain HbA1c levels (average blood sugar counts of three months) below 6.5 per cent with constant monitoring. Focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in sugars. Do not adjust insulin or medication dosages without consulting a healthcare provider.

Manage Hypertension: Strive to keep diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg. Higher readings can lead to serious heart issues.

Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a low-sodium, high-fibre diet and weight management can help control blood pressure. Monitor cholesterol levels. Limit alcohol consumption and give up smoking.

Early Treatment: If diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, seek timely medical intervention such as angioplasty or bypass surgery to ensure adequate blood supply to the heart.

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Heart failure worsens over time, so be observant of changes in your body. Weighing yourself daily is one of the easiest ways to track fluid retention, indicated by a sudden gain. Swelling in the legs and feet can also mean more fluid is accumulating. Keep track of blood pressure, sugar. Get blood work done regularly as it will help the doctor adjust medication. A flu shot and pneumonia vaccine can help you avoid infections that would overstress both lungs and heart.

(Dr Sayeed is Consultant, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, and Heart Transplant Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru)