Heart Failure: Do You Know What Symptoms To Look Out For?
Heart Problems: Do You Know The Symptoms?
PA/The Huffington Post UK
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Can you name at least one symptom of heart failure? If you can't, you're part of the majority of people who don't know the key signs, according to a recent survey.
An even more concerning fact: many may be dismissing the symptoms as a "normal sign of ageing", the survey found.
The symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person but the main signs are breathlessness, extreme tiredness, and ankle swelling.
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These symptoms can be caused by health conditions other than heart failure, but patient group, The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, said it is important for people to be aware of the symptoms.
The comments come after a poll, sponsored by pharmaceutical company Novartis, found that only 5% of Britons could identify three common symptoms of heart failure.
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Tips For A Healthy Heart
Get Moving(01 of10)
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Ten minutes of exercise a day can drastically reduce your risk of heart disease. Some basic, quick exercises include taking the stairs at work, jogging around the block or taking the dog for a brisk walk. (credit:Getty )
Fortify Your Diet(02 of10)
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What you eat makes a big difference for your heart. Try incorporating leafy greens, like spinach and chard, into your diet, substituting sugary snacks with fresh fruit and doubling up on veggies in recipes. (credit:AP)
Have Fun With Exercise(03 of10)
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Exercise doesn't always have to be a drag! Some fun exercise options include jumping rope, biking, swimming or dancing. (credit:Getty )
Lower Your Risk For High Blood Pressure(04 of10)
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To lower your risk of high blood pressure, eat fruits and vegetables at the beginning of your meal, try to maintain a weight in the “healthy” or “ideal” range and limit your alcohol intake. (credit:Getty )
Avoid Sitting (05 of10)
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Surprisingly, both smoking and sitting in a chair all day increase your risk of heart attack about the same amount. Get on your feet by walking around during television commercial breaks, standing up while you’re on the phone or getting off the bus one stop early. (credit:Getty)
Quit Smoking (06 of10)
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Doctors recommend these tips if you're trying to quit smoking:1. Focus on the reason you want to quit.2. Ask a doctor for help quitting.3. Get support from friends and family.4. Relax! Stress makes quitting harder. (credit:Getty )
Get A Better Night's Sleep (07 of10)
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To work toward a better night’s sleep, try keeping a sleep diary to learn your patterns, and follow a strict sleep schedule, even during the weekend. (credit:Getty )
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule (08 of10)
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Doctors recommend turning off any digital screens at least one hour before bed. Then, do something relaxing like reading a book or listening to soothing music. (credit:Getty )
Whole Grains (09 of10)
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Whole grains can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Substitute whole grains into your diet with foods like whole-wheat bagels, wild rice and whole-wheat tortillas. (credit:Getty )
Eat More Fruits And Veggies (10 of10)
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Sneak more fruits and veggies into your diet by having a fruit salad before dinner. Try fresh salsa with a few chips for a healthy snack or challenge yourself to try new fruits like jicama or papaya. (credit:Getty )
The survey of 1,000 people from the UK aged 50 and over also found that 85% thought the symptoms were a normal sign of ageing.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE:
Your symptoms will depend on whether the left, right or both sides of your heart are affected. Your symptoms may change depending on how advanced your condition is. It’s important to recognise the symptoms of heart failure and if you feel your symptoms are getting worse, see your GP.
breathlessness – you may feel breathless when you’re resting or during exercise
"The lack of understanding of heart failure by the British public is worrying, especially as it is a condition which affects so many people," said Nick Hartshorne Evans, founder of The Pumping Marvellous Foundation.
"The numbers are increasing due to factors which include more people surviving heart attacks, undetected prolonged hypertension, late presentation of cardiac conditions as well as poor lifestyle choices and an ageing population.
"However, with early identification and access to heart failure services, the outcomes for people living with heart failure will improve."
Heart failure affects more than 750,000 people in the UK. It is a serious condition caused by the heart failing to pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure.