Saharanpur – On the occasion of Heart Failure Awareness Week (9 to 15th February 2025), Dr. Yogendra Singh, Director, Interventional Cardiologist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, raised awareness about the rising cases of heart failure. He discussed the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of heart failure, and also explained the differences between heart failure and a heart attack. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s needs, struggling to perform at its usual capacity. This can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
Heart failure has three types: First, left-sided heart failure, where the left side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively to the body, resulting in fluid build-up in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion. Second, right-sided heart failure, where the right side of the heart has difficulty pumping blood to the lungs, causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, legs, and feet. Third, congestive heart failure (CHF), is a term often used to describe heart failure with noticeable fluid retention throughout the body. These types of heart failure can occur separately or together, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Dr. Yogendra Singh, Director, Interventional Cardiologist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, explained, “Most people confuse heart failure with a heart attack. Although both are life-threatening heart conditions, there are significant differences between the two. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, while in a heart attack, blood flow is blocked in the coronary arteries. This results in a decrease or cessation of blood supply to the heart muscle. A heart attack is typically caused by blood clots that block the flow of blood in the coronary arteries, preventing oxygen and blood from reaching the heart. On the other hand, heart failure can be caused by multiple factors, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other heart-related conditions.”
Dr. Yogendra further elaborated on the symptoms of heart failure, “The early signs of heart failure include fatigue and shortness of breath. Daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and carrying objects may become difficult. Other symptoms include persistent cough or wheezing, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, nausea and loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen, indigestion, and increased heart rate.”
He also noted that although heart failure cannot be completely cured, it can be managed to prevent further deterioration of the heart’s condition. Through medications or pacemakers, the heart can be prevented from becoming weaker. In some cases, a heart transplant may be the only option for treatment.
Dr. Yogendra emphasized the importance of preventive measures to avoid heart failure, stating, “Everyone should manage high blood pressure, consult their doctors regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol, adopt a healthy diet, maintain a proper lifestyle, and engage in regular exercise to reduce the risk of heart failure.”
