On the occasion of World Heart Day, observed on September 29, experts across the country are urging people to pay more attention to the early signs and symptoms that are indicative of an underlying heart disease, to ensure early diagnosis. Heart ailments are the leading cause of mortality, in India, due to key challenges in cardiac care like inadequate facilities, inaccessibility and lack of awareness. Latest statistics suggest that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for more than half of the mortality of the 6 million deaths due to non-communicable diseases. Dr. Shirish (M S.) Hiremath, President, Cardiological Society of lndia. said, “With the burden of Heart Failure snowballing in India and the associated high death rates, it is necessary to prioritize heart failure as a cardiovascular disease. The need of the hour is, coming together of all stakeholders to develop a community-level approach to raise awareness about this condition, which is often used interchangeably with Heart Attack or seen as an aftermath of the latter."
What is heart failure?
Experts clarify that ‘Heart Failure’ means that the weakened heart muscle is not pumping blood efficiently enough to meet the oxygen and nutritional demands of an individual‘s body. Risk factors for heart failure include a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, alcohol and drug use and family history of heart diseases. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen. etc.
What is heart failure?
Experts clarify that ‘Heart Failure’ means that the weakened heart muscle is not pumping blood efficiently enough to meet the oxygen and nutritional demands of an individual‘s body. Risk factors for heart failure include a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, alcohol and drug use and family history of heart diseases. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen. etc.
