Diabetes News
Heart Failure Society of America Kicks off National Heart Failure Awareness Week February 13-19
ST. PAUL, Minn., February 14 (PRNewswire) -- It is a time of year when the mere mention of "heart," conjures images of expensive dinners, chocolates, and, of course, those tasteless little candy hearts that are ubiquitous only one day each year. Instead, the Heart Failure Society encourages you to think about your real heart.
The Heart Failure Society of America is the only forum for health care experts dedicated to pursuing the latest research developments and new treatments for heart failure. The Society's thought leaders are world renowned experts in heart failure.
There are 4.6 million Americans living with heart failure. This year alone, 400,000 to 700,000 more individuals will be diagnosed with heart failure, which is the only cardiovascular disease on the rise.
Heart failure is a common condition that usually develops slowly as the heart muscle weakens and needs to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. However, in the past 10-15 years new and improved therapies have been developed that help slow, stop, and in some cases, reverse the progression of heart failure. These therapies also keep people out of the hospital, improve quality of life and greatly extend life expectancy. The key is recognizing the symptoms, getting diagnosed early, and receiving proper treatment to fight progression.
What can you do to reduce risks of developing heart failure?
1. Quit smoking!
2. Exercise regularly. Be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse before starting a vigorous exercise program.
3. Avoid excessive use of alcohol, particularly if a heart condition is already present.
4. Follow a diet low in sodium (salt). Too much sodium causes extra fluid to build up in your body, causing your heart to work harder. Limit sodium to 3,000 mg per day (1 tsp salt = 2,300 mg sodium).
5. See your doctor regularly. Talk openly with your doctor. Your doctor can help identify the early signs and symptoms of heart failure.
6. Control your blood pressure (hypertension).
7. Keep your cholesterol in check.
8. If you have diabetes, make sure to follow the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes.
9. Awareness - Know the risk factors for heart failure. Some common risk factors include: - High blood pressure - Heart attack - Diabetes - Family history
10. Know the symptoms: See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing: - Swelling in the legs, feet, hands or abdomen - Shortness of breath - Tire easily or have a general feeling of fatigue - Persistent cough or chest congestion
Although the above tips will help reduce risk factors, it is also important to recognize that there are other risk factors to consider: previous heart attack, damage to the heart valves, infection of the heart muscle, lung disease, and family history.
To learn about heart failure, its symptoms, or risk factors, visit http://www.abouthf.org/ .
Heart Failure Society of America
Web site: http://www.abouthf.org/