Heart failure occurs when damaged, or weak muscles fail to pump blood efficiently to supply enough oxygen to the heart and other body parts. Usually, the muscles are not strong enough, or the heart does not have enough blood to fill up for pumping. The early stages are not so dangerous, but the condition causes trouble. That is why it is important to seek treatment early before it progresses. Book an appointment online with an Upper East Side heart failure specialist after the first symptoms.
Although the heart’s functionality decreases with age, specific medical and lifestyle factors weaken heart muscles with time. Here are the common risk factors of heart failure:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the major causes of most heart problems. It occurs when blood vessels, mostly the arteries, have accumulated substances that clog movement, increasing blood pressure. This condition requires control because it could otherwise affect other organs such as the brain and kidney. It is more dangerous than other conditions as it does not have symptoms unless you measure blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol comes from various foods or made naturally in your body by the liver. There is the good cholesterol that is enough for use in the body, and there is bad cholesterol. When you eat many foods with bad cholesterol, it accumulates inside artery walls, which narrow their structure. As a result, it decreases blood flow to the brain, kidney, and heart. Good cholesterol (HDL) actually protects the body against heart problems. You should get tested regularly for cholesterol levels to maintain the correct levels.
Obesity
Obesity is the excess weight gain from the accumulation of fat in the body. People living with obesity often have low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of bad cholesterol (LDH). Obesity could also lead to diabetes and high blood pressure, which are risks for the heart. To prevent obesity, you should make sure you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Also, talk to a medical specialist on other preventive measures.
Age
A high percentage of people are born with a healthy heart. However, as we age, the risk of heart failure increases with weakening the heart muscles. The chances are highest for people sixty-five or older.
Gender
According to research, men are at a higher chance of developing heart problems compared to women. However, women too have high chances of developing a heart failure problem where the muscles fail to relax normally.
Diabetes Mellitus
The pancreas naturally produces insulin to convert glucose to energy for use by organs. Therefore, the body needs glucose to function efficiently. With diabetes mellitus, the body produces insufficient insulin and experiences an accumulation of sugar in the blood. This increases the chance of heart failure and other problems.
As per your condition, the doctor will determine the right treatment option. Some conditions require minimally invasive surgery to correct. It is also important to seek treatment early before the conditions progress. Book an appointment today with Upper East Side Cardiology for further questions and treatment.