We Indians are getting more westernized with our diet, habits, and cultural reforms. Technology, AI, and Internet accessibility have made us more sedentary. Exercise has been vanishing from our daily routine, inviting various heart problems and heart attacks. India, now being the global capital of diabetes, is moving towards becoming the global capital of cardiac problems, including CAD (Coronary Artery Disease). Dr. Chetan Ganteppanavar, a physician from Hubli, India, emphasizes the importance of heart health, preventive healthcare, regular exercise, balanced diet, early diagnosis, and holistic heart care in combating India's rising cardiovascular disease burden.
Is heart attack same as heart failure ?
No, When blood supply to particular part of heart is cut off due to clots in circulation is called heart attack. Similarly, when the heart is not able to pump blood adequately because of poor contraction we call it as heart failure.
Early symptoms and signs of heart failure ! How do I recognize ?
Patient who had long standing diabetes with uncontrolled sugars came to hospital in ambulance with complaints of breathlessness. He was 68years and was suffering diabetes since 25 years. When he was questioned about his symptoms - breathlessness, feeling tired, leg swelling, reduced appetite and swelling of face and abdomen were described. These are heart failure symptoms. Common symptoms of heart attack are chest pain, sweating, syncope, vomiting and nausea. Early signs are fatigue - you may feel tired and breathless after climbing stair, heavy work, dry cough, cough on lying down, leg swelling, palpitations.
Why will one have heart failure ?
Causes of heart failure are multiple like blocks in vessels , hereditary, food and dietary deficiency, heart beat variations, pregnancy, anemia, thyroid problems. Medically we have 4 stages of heart failure and two types - systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure. Stage III usually causes breathlessness while sleeping flat on bed and stage IV - very much breathless to even have bath.
I'm diagnosed with heart failure, now what ?
Don't worry, heart failure is treatable. It is common in older adults and elderly population. ECG and 2D Echocardiogram scan are used for diagnosing the heart failure. Lab tests for heart failure include - NT-proBNP, creatinine, Troponin I are routinely done.
Types of heart doctors - Heart failure specialist vs Cardiologist - Whom to consult ?
Physician or a Cardiologist near you are equally good to approach. Every physician is a heart failure doctor and heart failure specialist. Your doctor assesses you in detail regarding the symptoms and stage you are in, and optimizes the treatment. Common causes of worsening of heart failure are excessive water intake, pain killer medications, skipping medicines, straining at stools and constipation. Meet specialist near you and best heart failure doctors at Kalpana Multispecialty Clinic, Hubli -Dharwad. Doctors here addresses various heart failure treatment options, new medications, self care tips , elderly care and personalized attention.