Heart Failure Quick Facts

By guest blogger Dr. Singla

Heart failure is more common than you think. Heart failure is not a heart attack, its the heart not being able to pump enough blood through your body. Here are some startling statistics:

• Affects nearly 5 million people
• 1% of adults 50-60
• 10% of adults over 80
• 8 million by 2030 (46% increase)
• 400,000 - 700,00 new cases each year
• 5% – 10% of all hospital admissions

Risk factors for heart failure: 

• Coronary Artery Disease (heart attack)
• Heart valve damage (leaky or narrow valves)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart disease
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Aging

Heart failure symptoms include :

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Leg edema
• Weight gain
• Cough
• Not able to lie flat due to difficulty breathing

There are some simple life style changes you can make:

• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Exercise regime
• Take your medicines
• Skip salt

Dr. Ish Singla

Springfield Clinic Cardiology