| Tweet |
The world is inundated with information on how to protect the heart. But most people don’t listen. But did you know that one of the top reasons the elderly go to the hospital is congestive heart failure? Doctors say that even though symptoms may present themselves, they are relegated to the back burner.
Congestive heart failure is a term covering a slew of symptoms affecting the heart that accumulate over months and years. The heart becomes weak and can’t effectively pump blood to the rest of the body.
The good news is that preventative measures have become more accessible. Now people can check their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and weight very inexpensively at home. It is much less expensive to monitor and stay healthy than to end up in the emergency room. Keep your cholesterol down, watch your blood pressure, lose weight and stay physically active. Most of all, seek medical treatment if you experience abnormalities or the following symptoms:
- Sudden weight gain (three or more pounds in one day, five or more pounds in one week, or whatever amount you were told to report).
- Shortness of breath not related to exercise or exertion.
- Increases in swelling of the lower limbs (legs or ankles).
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen.
- Trouble sleeping (waking up short of breath, using more pillows).
- Frequent dry, hacking cough.
- Increased fatigue.
