The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has reported that there is a higher prevalence of heart failure in Wales than in the rest of the UK, reports the BBC. This reason for this worrying statistic may be down to social structure, especially within areas of higher unemployment and poverty.
Heart failure is a condition caused by the heart failing to pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure. It usually occurs because the heart muscle has become too weak or stiff to work properly. Heart failure does not mean a heart is about to stop working, but does mean the heart needs some support to do its job, usually in the form of medicines.
Heart failure does not often have a single cause. A number of problems usually “gang up” on the heart, causing it to fail.
The NHS lists some of the causes of heart failure including:
Sometimes anaemia, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), or high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) can also lead to heart failure.
Unfortunately, in most cases, heart failure is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured. However, lifestyles changes, medicines, devices, and surgery can improve the function of the heart or remove excess water from the body. Such lifestyle changes include stopping smoking, losing weight, and drinking less alcohol.
Further information on heart failure can be found on the NHS website.
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