November 26th is National Heart Failure Day. Heart failure, also known as heart failure, is the final stage of the development of various heart diseases. It is a complex clinical syndrome that occurs when the cardiac output cannot meet the metabolic needs of the body's tissues and cells. What causes heart failure? How to determine if you have heart failure? How to prevent and treat heart failure? Listen to what the experts have to say. Our body is like a high-performance sports car, and our heart is the engine of the sports car. When heart failure occurs, it is like a sudden drop in engine power, making it impossible for the sports car to move forward at full speed. ”Li Fei, chief physician of the Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, said that the causes of heart failure are diverse, and the common causes are hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, etc. In addition, some diseases outside the heart, if not treated in a timely manner, can also lead to the occurrence of heart failure, such as thyroid dysfunction, anemia, and beriberi, which may become triggers for heart failure. In addition to disease factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and unhealthy diet can also increase the risk of heart failure. Age and genetic factors also play important roles in the onset of heart failure. Li Fei introduced that the most common symptom of early heart failure is shortness of breath during activity, which can easily cause discomfort such as fatigue and dizziness. As the condition progresses, the symptoms will gradually worsen, and more obvious clinical manifestations will appear at this time. Heart failure patients may experience edema in both lower limbs, especially in the ankles and feet. When lying flat, coughing or shortness of breath may occur, which can only be relieved by sitting upright. They may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and poor appetite. People with high-risk factors for heart failure who experience the aforementioned discomfort must take it seriously and seek medical attention promptly to clarify the diagnosis. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve prognosis. Shen Min, Deputy Chief Physician of the Cardiovascular Department at Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, introduced that the treatment of heart failure mainly includes four aspects: eliminating the causes, treating the primary disease, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. In addition to drug therapy, many device treatment options for heart failure have also been applied in clinical practice, bringing good news to a large number of patients. Shen Min reminds that the heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, and it is important to pay more attention to lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of heart failure. In daily life, it is important to adjust one's diet, eat less high salt and high-fat foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake; Regular moderate exercise, such as walking and Tai Chi, can help enhance myocardial function; Regularly undergo physical examinations, monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and other indicators, and seek medical attention promptly in case of discomfort. Experts say that although heart failure is a serious disease, it can be managed and controlled. By understanding the causes of heart failure, identifying its symptoms, and implementing appropriate treatment and management, patients can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. (New Society)