Heart Failure
Common ConditionA chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, causing fatigue, breathing problems, and fluid buildup.
Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
Seek emergency care if you experience sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat with shortness of breath, or coughing up pink, foamy mucus. See your doctor promptly if you notice increased swelling, sudden weight gain, or worsening fatigue.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Heart Failure
Heart Failure: Understanding and Managing a Challenging Condition
Heart failure is a serious chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide, including a significant number of Filipinos. Despite its name, heart failure doesn't mean the heart has stopped working—rather, it means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively. There are two main types:
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): The left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally, so it can't pump with enough force.
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): The left ventricle can't relax or fill fully, reducing the amount of blood available to pump.
Heart Failure in the Philippines
Heart failure is a growing concern in the Philippines due to high hypertension rates, increasing heart disease prevalence, and lifestyle factors including diet high in sodium, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Early Signs:
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Shortness of breath during activities that were previously easy
- Mild swelling in feet or ankles at the end of the day
Progressive Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing when lying flat
- Waking up at night gasping for breath
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- Weight gain from fluid retention
Living with Heart Failure
While heart failure is serious, many people live active, fulfilling lives with proper management:
Medication Adherence: Taking medications exactly as prescribed is crucial.
Daily Weight Monitoring: Weigh yourself each morning. Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention.
Dietary Management: Limit sodium to less than 2,000 mg daily, monitor fluid intake, eat heart-healthy foods.
Physical Activity: Appropriate exercise strengthens the heart and improves quality of life.
Heart failure treatment has improved dramatically in recent years. With proper management, you can maintain a good quality of life and slow the progression of this condition.
"Ang puso ay kailangan alagaan, hindi lang pisikal kundi pati emosyonal." (The heart needs care, not just physically but emotionally too.)
