Heart failure is the most rapidly rising cardiovascular disease, and the most common reason for hospitalization. At Sunnybrook’s latest Speaker Series, Take Heart: Latest Updates in Cardiac Care, a leading panel of experts discussed heart failure, innovations in cardiac imaging and treatment, as well as the connection between kidney and heart health.
Heart failure is a gradual decline in the heart’s ability to pump and circulate blood. This happens when the heart is damaged in some way, such as following a heart attack or as a result of chronic high blood pressure. Cardiologist Dr. Stephanie Poon says medications play an important role, and some patients will also need more advanced therapies like assist devices. She says that daily lifestyle modifications can also help patients living with heart failure, including:
- Limiting your fluid intake to less than 2 litres per day.
- Reducing the salt in your diet to less than 2 grams per day.
- Exercising to reduce heart failure symptoms. Be sure to check with your doctor to see what is safe for you.
- Avoiding heavy lifting, snow shoveling and high impact sports.
Over half a million Canadians are currently living with heart failure, and 50,000 new patients are diagnosed every year. Symptoms of heart failure include congested lungs, shortness of breath, cough, fluid retention, fatigue, weakness and/or irregular heartbeat. If you are concerned, consult with your doctor.
