| Common signs and symptoms depend on which side
of the heart is affected. But the following may be seen:-
Swelling of the body due to retention of fluid in tissues.
Shortness of breath
Blueness of the skin - more visible on the mucous membranes
Cough which may be productive of a frothy watery sputum - if the
fluid is retained in the lungs
Fatigue
Distention of the neck veins, etc.
Risk Factors
Obesity
Diet high in cholesterol and fat in a person predisposed to the
condition
High blood pressure
Tobacco smoking
Stress
Family history
Lack of exercise
Prevention is the first step
Regular exercise for at least 20 - 30 minutes every day as
follows:
- Walks
- Housework
- Gardening
- Aerobics
- Swimming, etc.
Diet
- Avoid high fat intake, especially saturated fats
- Limit the use of salts in cooking
- Avoid foods high in salts (read food labels carefully)
- Avoid foods high in refined carbohydrates such as
sweets, cool drinks etc. Rather increase high fibre foods by
eating more vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole wheat bread
and cereals.
- Eat less dietary cholesterol. This is contained in
foods such as shellfish, organ meats e.g. liver, kidneys -
as well as eggs, fresh cream
- Limit the use of fast foods and takeaways
- Drink plenty of water (at least 6-8 glasses per day)
- Limit intake of coffee
Stop smoking or do not start
Limit alcohol intake |
