Yes, people with heart failure face difficulty in breathing, breathing heavily on walking, easy fatigue and swollen legs. Characteristically, they get up in middle of the night with severe cough and feel better while sitting. The symptoms vary depending upon the severity and length of the heart failure.

Not really, if we reach hospital very early after heart stroke, we can avoid heart failure. Apart from Heart Attack- Heart valve disease, viral illnesses, Hypertension, Severe Obesity, excess alcohol can cause Heart failure. In some cases, cause remains unknown.

Heart Failure prognosis has improved significantly and many are living long comfortable years of lives.

No, we diagnose heart failure by examining the patient and confirm by ECG, Heart scan (2DECHO cardiogram) ,some blood tests (BNP), Chest X-Ray and only in some cases Angiogram. A Cardiac MRI and Heart biopsy (Endomyocardial Biopsy) may be required in some cases.

Depends upon underlying condition. Quitting Alcohol, treating Thyroid disease, reverting to regular heart rhythm can cure Heart Failure in few cases but majority has to endure it lifelong

Quit smoking if you have the habit, take rest in the initial period and gradually exercise, limit water intake up to 1 ½ liter per day, reduce salt to less than 5 grams per day. Above all take medicines regularly (many times lifelong) and see your doctor intermittently.

Not in all. A small subset of patients with wide waves in ECG, and very low Heart Capacity can be considered for device therapy called CRT (Cardiac resynchronization therapy).

True, it looks like one. It is kept under the skin below the collar bone and the electrical wires from the device modify the current flow in the heart muscle to make it an improved pump.

No, ICD (Intra cardiac defibrillator ) can be combined with CRT. This is offered to patients at risk of sudden death.

Yes, the mode of death in most of heart failure patients is sudden death. So, it is like a internal body guard for the Heart.

Yes, with strict lifestyle, excellent medicines, and devices, if needed, they can live a long life.

Yes, they can reach an end stage in heart failure where he may be offered artificial Heart or Heart Transplantation.

Heart transplantation is widely practiced in many of the metros in India, including Hyderabad. The numbers of heart transplants are increasing; many terminally ill heart failure patients can have hope now.

● Maintain ideal body weight
● Walk regularly
● Quit smoking / alcohol
● Check you have BP or Sugar (Hypertension / Diabetes – keep them under control
● Go for annual medical checkup

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