15-03-2023
Heart Failure In Young Adults

Cases of heart failure are increasing day by day. It is a progressive, chronic disorder in which the heart muscle weakens over time and its ability to pump blood is compromised, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the body's important organs.

Some of the factors responsible for increased incidence of heart disease in young adultswhich may lead to heart failure:

  • Uncontrolled hypertension: It is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. Young adults are more likely to develop hypertension than other age groups for a variety of reasons, including lack of exercise, a diet heavy in trans fats and salt, obesity, elevated levels of stress, and unhealthy behaviours like smoking and alcohol use. Hypertension can cause major issues like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, renal failure, and vision difficulties if it is not managed.
  • Diabetes: Over time, high blood sugar can harm the nerves and blood vessels in your heart and circulatory system.
  • High Cholesterol: Vascular disease is brought on by high cholesterol. Angina or a myocardial infarction can develop from an excessive build-up of cholesterol in these arteries, which can prevent blood from getting to the affected areas.
  • Smoking: The amount of cigarettes smoked and the length of time smoked both enhance a person's risk of developing heart disease.
  • Family history: Compared to the general population, your chance of acquiring heart disease can increase by 50% if one of your parents experienced heart disease before the age of 55.
  • Obesity: Overweight and obesity are associated with a number of factors that raise the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
  • Stress: People who experience chronic work-related stress tend to engage in less physical activity, eat poorly, smoke, and drink excessively, which contributes to obesity. As a result, there is a higher likelihood of developing excessive cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.

Below are some suggested tips for healthy heart:

  • Reduce salt intake- The sodium results in water retention in the body which worsens the fluid build-up linked with heart failure. The body struggles to properly pump blood when there are more fluids present.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking- Alcohol and smoking can severely damage heart.
  • Do regular exercise- it is imperative to do at least 30-45mins of light physical activity as a part of the daily routine. Brisk walking or jogging strengthens the heart muscle and helps regulate the blood flow. This will help to keep the body weight in check along withcontrol of blood pressure. For heart failure patient, it is advised to always consult a doctor before initiating any form of exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy diet- It is recommended to include more and more green vegetable in the diet, refrain themselves from red meat and limit their consumption on dairy fat, sugary drinks and soda.
Doctor
Dr. B. L. Aggarwal
Director
Department of Interventional Cardiology (Adult)
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