Foot swelling, unexplained weight gain, and palpitations with exertion are common complaints in heart failure. The most important findings during the examination are swelling in the feet and swelling in the neck vein. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Gençbay, “The most important causes of heart failure are hypertension, diabetes, valve diseases, stenosis in coronary vessels and heart attacks. Old age itself is a condition that can lead to heart failure. "People with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, advanced age, etc.) may have heart failure if they have the above-mentioned symptoms," he said.
Dr. Gençbay continued his words as follows: “There are two reasons for heart failure. One is a problem in contraction and the second is a problem in relaxation. The problem with contraction is usually due to damage to the heart muscle. It often occurs after heart attacks. If relaxation is also a problem, it is usually due to thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle or the aging process. "Problems in contraction or relaxation may be responsible for heart failure both together and individually," he said.
The First Step in the Treatment of Heart Failure Should Be the Regulation of Lifestyle
Dr. . Gençbay said, “In heart failure, it is more important for us to prevent the development of the disease before treatment. Treatment of the mentioned risk factors will prevent the development of heart failure. If heart failure occurs, our first-line treatment is lifestyle regulation. "This includes diet, exercise, staying away from smoking, staying away from stress," he said.
Drawing attention to the importance of the diet, Dr. Gençbay, “The ideal diet for the diet can be recommended as the Mediterranean diet, which is low in salt. Animal foods should be minimized, red meat should be reduced only to the extent that it adds flavor to the meal, delicatessen products such as sausages and salami should be avoided, and trans fats should definitely be avoided (many ready-made foods contain trans fat, 5 g of trans fat increases the risk of heart attack by 25%). "Vegetable dishes with olive oil and unsalted nuts can be consumed in moderation," he said.
Gençbay continued his words as follows: "Medication is the second step. There are medications that prevent the development of heart failure, as well as the disease itself. We have very effective and reliable drugs that can control heat. "In addition, we should not neglect the treatment of the primary factor that causes heart failure, it should also be treated." >
“We use a pacemaker if certain criteria are met in our patients with serious heart failure complaints such as shortness of breath and fatigue even with light walking. "In patients with severe weakening of the heart muscles, we prefer pacemakers that give intracardiac mini-shocks and revitalize the heart against sudden cardiac arrests, as well as heart-strengthening batteries," said Dr. Gençbay continued his words as follows: “Latest generation batteries generally have a lifespan of around 10 years. I say generally because how much battery enters the environment or how much shock it gives are the most important criteria that determine battery life.
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