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February is Heart Month: Protect our heart health

February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of preventing heart disease. At Main Line Health, our cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, advanced practice providers and staff are committed to providing a full range of services, which are critical in addressing the diverse needs of our patients and the community. And we do it the only way we know how — human to human.

Man clutching his chest

Understanding heart failure

Heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, affects millions of people worldwide, but the good news is that it can often be managed or even prevented with the right care.

Heart failure can occur when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to properly pump blood. Over time, this can lead to symptoms that affect your everyday life. Common signs of heart failure include:

  • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen
  • Chronic fatigue or feeling unusually weak
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Persistent cough or wheezing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life and prevent complications.

Prevention is key

While certain risk factors for heart failure, like age or family history, can’t be controlled, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight: This will help reduce the strain on your heart, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of developing heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. 
  2. Stay active: Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or cycling, helps keep your heart strong and efficient.
  3. Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your intake of salt, saturated fats and processed foods.
  4. Manage chronic conditions: Control underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. These can contribute to the development of heart disease.
  5. Don’t smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and heart failure. Quitting can greatly improve your heart health. Learn more about Main Line Health’s SmokeFREE smoking cessation program.
  6. Limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol in moderation is important. Excessive drinking can lead to heart problems.
Older people walking a dog in a park.

Treatment options for heart failure

If you’re diagnosed with heart failure, it’s important to work with our doctor to manage symptoms that will help improve your quality of life. These may include:

  • Medications: Doctors may prescribe drugs such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and/or  diuretics, to help reduce the workload on your heart, control blood pressure, or prevent fluid buildup.
  • Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is vital to managing heart failure effectively.
  • Advanced interventions: For some patients, managing advanced heart failure may require specialized procedures. These can include the implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator to help regulate the heart's rhythm. In more severe cases, advanced surgical options such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or even heart transplantation may be necessary to support or replace the heart’s function.

Why you should see your doctor

If you notice any symptoms of heart failure, or if you're at risk, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is critical for managing heart failure effectively and preventing complications.

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, conduct tests and develop a personalized treatment plan that's right for you. They can also provide guidance on how to make lifestyle changes that will support your heart health long-term.

Take action this heart month

This February, make a commitment to your heart health. By staying informed, making healthy choices, and staying on top of your doctor visits, you can help protect your heart from the risks of heart failure and other heart-related conditions.

Remember: A healthy heart is a happy heart.

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