Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a major public health challenge with nearly 61% of total deaths in India.Unfortunately, the issue of multiple interlinked chronic conditions has further exacerbated this problem. One such vicious trio commonly found is heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Studies suggest that among heart failure patients, nearly 25-40% suffer from diabetes and approximately 40 to 50% of HF patients havechronic kidney disease (CKD).Moreover, heart failure patients suffering from both diabetes and CKD are at a substantially greater risk of hospitalisation and mortality due to heart failure.Therefore, with the increase in high-risk patients, raising awareness about heart failure and morbidities is the need of the hour!
Hence, regular cardiologist consultations along with timely treatment to block the progression of heart failure is imperative. It is also important that patients keep a close watch on symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeats, swelling in the legs and persistent cough. Over and above that, compliance with the course of treatment is an unavoidable element for overall heart failure management.
Stressing on the need to raise awareness about Heart Failure,Dr P K Sahoo, Director, Interventional Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar said, “With the burden of heart failure snowballing in India, it is necessary to recognize heart failure as a public health priority in the country. The disease has socio-economic and emotional implications for the patient and his family, impacting the overall quality of life. The need of the hour is for all stakeholders to come together to develop a community-level approach to raise awareness about Heart Failure.”
Healthy heart tips for heart failure patients:
O Track your symptoms: Keep a track of even small changes in your body and report to your cardiologist
O Eat healthy: The co-existing conditions like heart failure, kidney disease and diabetes need a well-researched diet plan.Consulting a professional dietician or taking advice from a cardiologist will help understand the right diet suited for you
O Consult your cardiologist: After evaluating the severity of your heart failure and co-existing health issues, cardiologists recommend a personalised treatment plan. Follow it and go for regular check-ups to review the effect of treatment
O Adherence to treatment: When there are no visible symptoms, patients tend to stop medications. Remember heart failure is a silent condition. Non-adherence to the treatment plan may lead to severe complications.