{"id":162319,"date":"2024-05-09T11:24:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T17:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/?p=162319"},"modified":"2024-12-10T17:13:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T23:13:15","slug":"causes-heart-failure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/health\/causes-heart-failure\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Failure: Causes, Prevention, and Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although heartbeats are the symphony of life, a hidden and threatening reality sometimes lies behind their constant rhythm: heart failure<\/strong>. What is it, what causes <\/strong>it, and how can we prevent it? We explain it to you here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the heart<\/strong> weighs between 200 and 425 grams and is approximately the same size as a fist. It beats around a thousand times per day and pumps 5 liters of blood each minute. It is a vital organ<\/strong> that works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to genetics, there are other factors that can put the health of this tirelessly beating engine at risk. Among them are poor diet<\/a>, smoking<\/a>, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, obesity<\/a>, not having chronic illnesses such as diabetes<\/a> under control, and finally, age – our heart<\/strong> also faces challenges<\/strong> as we grow older.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last point is crucially important because it is predicted that more than 70% of the world\u2019s population will be older adults by 2043:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis implies that our heart will have to work for many more years<\/strong>. A person who has lived longer has been exposed for more time to pollution, stress, work, and a poor diet. Somehow, all this comes together and cardiovascular diseases<\/strong> begin to appear,\u201d says Gerardo Garc\u00eda<\/a>, a researcher in the translational area at TecSalud<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Heart Failure? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart failure<\/strong> results from damage to the h<\/a>eart<\/a> and can be caused by various diseases<\/strong>, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections, and metabolic problems, each of which significantly reduce heart function<\/strong>. Heart attacks are also an important cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey are the result of diseases that are acquired with age<\/strong>, often caused by genetic factors and habits. When a heart attack<\/strong> occurs, the arteries, which are the tubes that bring blood to the heart, clog up through a process called atherosclerosis<\/strong>. This is the buildup of fat and cholesterol that results in obstruction of the blood supply. Modern habits are the main cause of this vascular problem,\u201d explains Guillermo Torre<\/a>, Rector of TecSalud.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart failure can be divided into four stages<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. There are no perceived limitations: physical activities are carried out without feeling tired or suffering shortness of breath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Mild functional limitation: routine physical activities cause shortness of breath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Moderate functional limitation: some common physical activities such as bathing or dressing cause shortness of breath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Severe functional limitation: symptoms occur even when at rest and you are unable to perform physical activities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How Can You Prevent Heart Failure?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease<\/strong>, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, restful sleep, and strong social relationships, as all these factors also influence heart health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    V<\/a>icente Jim\u00e9nez<\/a>, clinical leader of the TecSalud Cardiogenic Shock team, recommends doing the following in an emergency<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n