Due to heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood into the body, due to which problems like fatigue, breathlessness and swelling start occurring. Heart failure can be caused by prolonged high blood pressure, heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases. When these symptoms become severe, start recurring and become difficult to control, then it is called advanced heart failure. People suffering from advanced heart failure experience symptoms like shortness of breath even at rest, extreme fatigue and swelling, which become severe over time.

Consultant and Cardiologist in Advanced Cardiac Science and Heart Transplant at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai Dr. Talha Meeran Told that people think that heart failure only harms the heart, but advanced heart failure can also damage the kidneys. Therefore, it has become very important to dispel the myths related to heart failure.

Myth 1: After heart failure the heart cannot function at all.

Truth: Heart failure does not mean that the heart is completely damaged, rather it means that the heart is not able to pump enough blood as per the body’s needs. When it reaches its advanced stage, symptoms of fatigue, accumulation of water in the body and shortness of breath are felt. Because the heart has to work very hard to fulfill the needs of the body. Even after heart failure, if patients get proper care and treatment, they can live a long and healthy life.

Myth 2: Only old people have heart failure

Fact: Young people can also be affected by heart failure. However, most of its cases are found in the elderly. The risk of heart failure increases due to many reasons, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and genetic diseases. Therefore, no matter what the age, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the heart.

When is heart transplant needed?

Myth 3: There is no cure for advanced heart failure

Fact: Heart failure is treatable even in the most severe cases. Life can be improved by managing the symptoms of heart failure with the help of medicines, lifestyle modifications and sometimes, even surgery or medical tools. Advanced treatment options, such as LVAD therapy, are also available. LVADs are battery-powered pumps that pump blood from the heart to the body. These pumps increase the physical capacity and life of heart failure patients.

Myth 4: Heart failure affects only the heart

Fact: It is not only the heart that is affected by advanced heart failure. Due to blood requirement not being properly met in the body, kidneys, lungs and other organs can also get damaged. This can cause kidney failure, filling of lungs with water and other problems.

Myth 5: The only treatment for advanced heart failure is heart transplant

Fact: Medical science has made the treatment of advanced heart failure possible. Technologies like LVAD have revolutionized treatment. If a heart failure patient is not considered a candidate for heart transplantation, an LVAD may be used.

Myth 6: You should not exercise after heart failure

Fact: Exercise should be done in heart failure or any heart disease. With this, heart function remains better and we can remain healthy. But you should also keep in mind that you should not put too much stress on the body. Get information from the doctor about which exercise would be appropriate for such patients.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.

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Along with the heart, heart failure can also damage the kidneys, 99% people do not know the real danger.