Preventing, Coping with Challenges of Heart Failure
Preventing, Coping with Challenges of Heart Failure
Five million Americans struggle with heart failure, a chronic condition in which the heart gradually loses the ability to pump blood efficiently. Two recent studies suggest conditions that may increase your risk for developing the disease, while a third provides evidence that exercise is safe for those with heart failure.
Heart failure often develops after conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack or hypertension have weakened the heart.
"Over time, your heart can't keep up with the demands placed on it," said Reginald Blaber, MD, director of the Lourdes Heart Failure Center. "The ventricles may become stiff and not fill properly between beats or dilate to the point where your heart can't pump blood efficiently."
Depression Increases Risk
Studies have shown that depression is three times more common after a heart attack and that depressed patients are at a higher risk for a second heart attack. A study of 14,000 people with clogged arteries looked at whether heart patients who become depressed have a higher risk of developing heart failure.
None of the patients had heart failure or depression at the time of their diagnosis with CAD. About 1,400 were later diagnosed with depression. The incidence of heart failure among those depressed was 16.4 per 100, compared to 3.6 per 100 who were not depressed. Antidepressants did not seem to reduce the risk of heart failure.
"Depressed heart patients are more likely than others to stop taking their heart medications and less likely to stay on heart-healthy diets or get regular exercise," said Dr. Blaber. "Depression also can bring about physiological changes, including a reduced heart rate and increased risk for blood clots."
Watch Your Waist
Another recent study looked at the role of excess weight as a risk factor for developing heart failure. Researchers followed more than 80,000 men and women for up to seven years to see who developed heart failure.
They found that participants with extra weight, particularly around their waistline, were more likely to develop the condition. This finding is of concern to medical experts since currently two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. This number is expected to climb to 75 percent by 2015.
Exercise is Encouraged
Individuals with heart failure may be unable to enjoy previously tolerated exercise, but physical activity actually is helpful because it improves endurance, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, according to a final study.
More than 2,300 heart failure patients in the United States, Canada and France were divided into two groups. While all received regular care, one group was assigned regular aerobic exercise. The other group did not receive exercise training, but was told they could work out if they desired.
After screening out high-risk patients, exercisers were 13 percent less likely to die for cardiovascular reasons or to be hospitalized for heart failure or a heart transplant.
Before starting any exercise program, heart failure patients should get clearance from their doctor, advised Dr. Blaber.
Understand Heart Failure
Learn the basics of heart failure and how you can manage your condition and maintain your quality of life. Call 1-888-LOURDES (568-7337) today to get our FREE brochure.
Reginald Blaber, MD
For more information about Dr. Blaber or another Lourdes expert, call 1-888-LOURDES (568-7337) or visit the Lourdes Health System Web site at www.lourdesnet.org and click on "Find a Physician."
