The people who care about you will want to help when you are diagnosed with heart failure. You should be able to talk about this condition with your friends and family. This will allow them to give you the support you need. Be sure to tell your loved ones that:
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart is about to stop. It means that the heart does not pump blood around the body as well as it should. The heart may have trouble meeting the body’s needs, which is especially true during activity.
Heart failure can develop at any age. The condition is more common as we get older. Around 1 percent of people younger than age 65 have heart failure. Fifteen percent of people older than age 85 have heart failure.
There are many reasons a person can develop heart failure. These include: coronary artery disease, previous heart attack, abnormal heart valves, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart muscle disease, lung disease, and more. Anybody can develop heart failure.
Symptoms of heart failure can vary. They include swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Tell your loved ones what symptoms they can help you watch out for.
You can live a long life with heart failure. Heart failure is a serious condition, but getting proper treatment and your loved ones involved can help you live a long and healthy life.
Lifestyle changes can help. Eating a low-salt diet can help a person with heart failure retain less fluid. It’s also important to be active, following your doctor’s advice.
Your loved ones want to see you live a happy and healthy life. Ask for support from them when you need it. Getting you to doctor’s visits, encouraging you to eat healthy food, and helping you stay active are just some of the ways friends and family can help.
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