Research studies indicate that the prevalence of heart failure is gradually increasing worldwide. In fact, scientists predict that it will reach public health threat levels within the next 15 to 20 years.

Today, approximately 9 million people in our country are at risk of developing heart failure, according to Professor Dr. M. Tuna Katırcıbaşı, Cardiologist, Medline Adana Hospital, noting that this disease is actually more fatal than many types of cancer, though this is not well known.

The number of heart failure cases is on the rise

Several important factors contribute to the significant increase in the number of patients with heart failure. Coronary angiography, a procedure that opens clogged heart vessels, was introduced in Turkey in the mid-1980s and became widespread in the early 2000s. This procedure allowed many people that had heart attacks to live for many years; before the 1980s, almost all patients were left to their natural course. As a result, higher number people who lost some or most of their heart muscle in a heart attack survived, only to suffer from heart failure. Moreover, prolonged life expectancy, and modern dietary and exercise habits contribute to the increase in such cases.

Measures should be taken in advance

Heart failure primarily presents as shortness of breath, swelling of the feet, and rapid fatigue. Patients may also experience coughing, loss of appetite, changes in body weight, frequent urination at night, and weakness. It is important to note that structural changes in the heart due to factors that predispose one to heart failure occur over a long period of time, often decades before symptoms appear. These changes only become apparent years later. Therefore, it is wise to identify, and treat the risks associated with heart failure before symptoms appear, and become irreversible. Since cardiovascular conditions, valvular heart disease, heart muscle disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease pose a high risk for heart failure, individuals in these groups should be aware that they are at risk for heart failure, even if they do not have the above symptoms. They should be checked and treated before heart failure develops.

Early detection saves life

Early detection and strict adherence to the treatment plan are crucial. In addition to drug therapy, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise programs, and pacemaker therapy when necessary, and the implantation of special valves and clips for valvular heart conditions greatly contribute to survival rates and quality of life in such patients.

Lasts a lifetime

Remember that heart failure is a lifelong, chronic disease. Life expectancy is lower than for many cancers once heart failure develops. Despite being such a serious disease, life expectancy can be extended and quality of life can be improved with an efficient treatment protocol, the presence of medical specialists and patient awareness.