Many people mistakenly believe that a failing heart can still pump blood effectively.

The heart is a hollow, fist-sized muscle with four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right side of the heart, comprising the right atrium and right ventricle, receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs for oxygen exchange. The left side, including the left atrium and left ventricle, receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to nourish the body.

Heart failure occurs when the heart's ability to pump or receive blood effectively is compromised, preventing the body from getting sufficient blood supply. This does not mean the heart stops beating, but rather that it becomes weak, stiff, or less efficient. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath during exertion, swollen ankles, abdominal bloating, or loss of appetite.

Another common misconception is that heart failure is the same as a heart attack.

While both heart failure and a heart attack are cardiovascular diseases, they differ significantly. Heart failure describes a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. In contrast, a heart attack occurs due to a blockage in the blood supply to the heart, leading to damage of the heart muscle.

Some believe that heart failure does not occur suddenly.

Although most heart failure cases develop gradually over time, it can also occur suddenly. Common causes include coronary artery disease, a condition where blood vessels supplying the heart are blocked. A heart attack, if not treated promptly, and uncontrolled high blood pressure are also frequent triggers.

Heart failure can also stem from other conditions, such as diabetes, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, viral myocarditis, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders.

The belief that there is no cure for heart failure is also incorrect.

Heart failure is a serious condition, but it can be managed with appropriate treatment and regular monitoring. For patients with dangerous ventricular arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can detect and deliver an electric shock when needed to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Some heart failure patients also have cardiac electrical conduction disorders, such as left bundle branch block, which reduce the heart's synchronized pumping efficiency. In such cases, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, may be prescribed to improve heart function.

Effective ways to prevent heart failure include: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, adopting a low-salt or low-fat diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing weight, and effectively controlling underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Regular health check-ups also help detect early risks of the disease.

Le Nguyen (According to Hindustan Times, Times of India)