Did you know that over 6 million Americans experience heart failure every year? Although it’s a fairly common condition, heart failure is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. From confusing heart failure with heart attacks to assuming it only happens to the elderly, misinformation can prevent people from getting the right care and support. In honor of American Heart Month, we’ll debunk common myths about heart failure and share tips for improving heart health.
What is Heart Failure? A Quick Overview
Before we break down health failure myths, let’s review what this condition is. Put simply, heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Despite the name, heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped working; rather, it means that your heart is weakened. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help strengthen the heart and improve quality of life.
Understanding Heart Failure: Myths vs. Facts
Heart failure may be a treatable condition, but the abundance of myths and misinformation can get in the way. Here are some common myths about heart failure and the truth behind them:
- Heart failure is the same thing as a heart attack
- Heart failure and heart attacks are two distinctly different conditions. As mentioned above, heart failure is a chronic condition characterized by a weakened heart. Heart attacks, meanwhile, occur when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, which damages the heart muscle. While these conditions are different, heart attacks can lead to heart failure.
- Only elderly individuals experience heart failure
- It’s true that older age increases your risk of heart failure. However, younger individuals can also experience this condition. Your risk increases if you have a family history of heart failure or an underlying health condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes).
- Heart failure is caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits
- While unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to heart failure, they’re not the only possible cause. Heart failure is also linked to a variety of medical conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Heart failure always has symptoms
- There are many symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue and coughing. That being said, not everyone experiences these symptoms. Many patients don’t have any symptoms of heart failure until it reaches advanced stages.
- If you have heart failure, you can’t live a normal life
- With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with heart failure can effectively manage their conditions and lead active, healthy lives.
Why Early Detection of Heart Failure Is Important
Are you worried about heart failure? Maybe you’re experiencing symptoms, or perhaps you have some of the risk factors. Either way, it’s best to act quickly. At South Tampa Cardiology, we use advanced cardiac imaging to produce accurate, detailed images of your heart and its structures. Not only does this allow us to assess your heart’s function, but it also helps us detect early signs of heart failure. Once we’ve identified any problems, we’ll take steps to prevent them from worsening.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Heart Health
One of the best ways to improve your heart health is through lifestyle changes. Here are some healthy habits you should integrate into your day-to-day life:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a healthy, balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and added sugars, all of which increase cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular well-being and reduces the risk of heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and deprives the blood of oxygen, while alcohol increases blood pressure. By avoiding or limiting these substances, you can reduce your risk of heart failure.
- Manage stress levels: Chronic stress raises blood pressure and triggers inflammation in the arteries. Try to manage stress through relaxation methods, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
In minor cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to improve heart health. For more serious cases, however, it’s best to combine lifestyle changes with medical treatment.
How South Tampa Cardiology Supports Heart Health
Are you looking for professional solutions to support your cardiovascular health? At South Tampa Cardiology, we empower patients through comprehensive heart health awareness. We’ll start by carefully analyzing your heart to deliver an accurate diagnosis. Then, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan that includes both lifestyle changes and medical solutions. By combining expert care with education, we’ll help treat heart failure, prevent cardiovascular disease and give patients the tools they need to thrive. Schedule a consultation today to protect your heart health!