CHF doesn’t come out of the blue. It generally comes as a result of other, chronic diseases. These include:
· Coronary Artery Disease, i.e., clogged arteries due to high levels of fat and cholesterol.
· High blood pressure, where the chambers in the heart gradually thicken to accommodate the increased pressure in the blood vessels.
· Diabetes, particularly Type II, where high blood pressure and obesity are typically seen.
As our population ages and becomes increasingly more sedentary, we see more prescriptions being written for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. You’ve heard the TV commercials beginning with the disclaimer, “When diet and exercise aren’t enough,” which should trigger the thought, “Shouldn’t diet and exercise be enough?”
Sometimes CHF occurs in patients with certain genetic factors, such as an enlarged heart or valvular heart disease, seen in young adults. There are even the very rare viral infections of the heart muscle that can lead to CHF. But by and large, it has to do with the patient’s lifestyle. Of course, we can always point to the untimely death of Jim Fixx, the fellow who popularized recreational running in the 1970s and ironically dropped dead of a heart attack after his morning jog, but he had an enlarged heart and a his father dies in his 40s of the same thing.
So, incorporating healthy fats (olive oil) and healthy sugars (fruit) into your diet, along with 20 minutes of some form of cardio exercise daily can reduce your chances of developing CHF later on in life. The American Heart Association notes that there are four stages of CHF, with four corresponding symptoms and treatment options.
· Stage A: A family history of heart disease and/or alcoholism, or a diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure or a long-term smoker. Treatment options include beta blocker medications, along with diet and exercise and discontinuing alcohol and cigarette use.
· Stage B: A prior heart attack, and/or a diagnosis of valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy are indicators of this stage. Along with diet and exercise, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are prescribed, along with diuretics to reduce fluid retention and going easy on the salt some times. A pacemaker or an implantable cardiac defibrillator may be required.
· Stage C: Symptoms include increased breathlessness, fatigue and weakness. The same treatment options apply as in Stage B.
· Stage D: This is the end stage of the disease, and at this point, a heart transplant, infusion drug therapy and/or clinical research trials may be the only treatment options. Patients may choose palliative care or hospice after all other options have been investigated.
Since there is no cure for CHF, taking responsibility for your care is the soundest course of action to take when it comes to keeping the disease at bay. Monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control. Keep your fluid intake consistent and check your weight daily; a gain of three pounds in one day or five over a week is definitely a reason to call your doctor. This goes along with limiting your salt intake as well as keeping an eye on your weight in general. Getting some form of exercise, whether a 20-minute walk with your pet or water aerobics at the local Y, is recommended, and there’s really no good reason to continue smoking or drinking. Implementing these recommendations early on can help you live longer with the disease and enjoy quality of life.
