Heart Failure Awareness Week 2025: Understand Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention

Heart failure is a growing health concern that affects millions of people each year. Despite its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working entirely. Instead, it indicates that the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. To raise awareness about this serious condition, Heart Failure Awareness Week plays an important role in educating the public about symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Let’s understand what heart failure is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how to take proactive steps to protect your heart health.

Understanding Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscles weaken or become too stiff, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently. It can affect one or both sides of the heart and is often classified as:

• Left-sided heart failure: When the left ventricle fails to pump blood properly, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Right-sided heart failure: Causes fluid retention in the lower extremities, abdomen, and other organs.
• Congestive heart failure (CHF): A more severe form where fluid buildup occurs in the lungs and other parts of the body.

Common Causes of Heart Failure

Several underlying conditions can increase the risk of heart failure, including:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart.
• High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the heart, weakening it over time.
• Diabetes: This can damage blood vessels and lead to heart complications.
• Obesity: It increases the risk of heart failure by contributing to high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can weaken the heart muscles.

Recognising the Symptoms

Early detection is critical to managing heart failure effectively. Be aware of the following warning signs:

• Persistent shortness of breath, mainly during physical activity or while lying down
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Persistent cough or wheezing along with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
• Sudden weight gain from fluid retention

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent further complications.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing heart failure involves a combination of physical exams, medical history, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects electrical abnormalities in the heart.
• Echocardiogram: Provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
• Chest X-ray: Helps identify fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Blood tests: Measure certain markers, such as BNP, to confirm heart failure.
• Stress tests: This test assesses how the heart performs under physical exertion.

Treatment Options

The treatment of heart failure aims to improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. It typically includes:

• Lifestyle Modifications: A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and quitting smoking can improve overall health.
• Medications: Common medications used to reduce symptoms and improve heart function include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
• Medical Devices and Surgery:
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Improves heart pumping in those with abnormal rhythms.
• Heart Transplant: This is for advanced cases when other treatments fail.

Preventing Heart Failure

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are steps to reduce your risk of heart failure:

• Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Stay physically active, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Regular check-ups with your doctor for early detection of heart-related issues.

Living with Heart Failure

Managing heart failure requires ongoing care and support. Here are some tips for living a better life:

• Track your symptoms and weight daily. Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention.
• Take medications as prescribed. Missing doses can worsen symptoms.
• Follow a low-sodium diet. Too much salt can cause fluid buildup.
• Stay informed and seek support. Joining a heart failure support group can help you connect with others facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

Heart Failure Awareness Week is an important reminder to prioritise heart health and raise awareness about this life-altering condition. By recognising symptoms early, managing risk factors, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of heart failure and improve your quality of life. Stay proactive, get regular check-ups, and spread awareness to help others live healthier, longer lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of heart failure?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of heart failure, followed by high blood pressure and diabetes.

Can heart failure be cured?

While heart failure is a chronic condition, it can be managed effectively with medications, lifestyle changes, and medical devices.

How can I reduce my risk of heart failure?

Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, manage chronic conditions, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

What foods should I avoid if I have heart failure?

Limit salt, processed foods, fried items, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Can heart failure lead to other complications?