Are You at Risk for Heart Failure? Key Factors to Know
Are You at Risk for Heart Failure? Key Factors to Know
Understanding Your Heart Health
Heart failure doesn't happen overnight. Knowing your risk factors can help prevent or manage this serious condition.
Contents
- Common Risk Factors
- Less Known Risk Factors
- Genetic Factors
Common Risk Factors
Several conditions increase your risk of heart failure. High blood pressure and coronary artery disease are major culprits. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, and a history of heart attacks. Lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol use also play a role.
Less Known Risk Factors
Some risk factors might surprise you. Certain medications, including some diabetes drugs and chemotherapy treatments, can increase heart failure risk. Viral infections that affect the heart, like myocarditis, can lead to heart failure. Sleep apnea and thyroid disorders are also linked to increased risk.
Genetic Factors
Family history matters when it comes to heart failure. Some types of heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathies) can be inherited. If you have close relatives with heart failure, especially at a young age, you may be at higher risk. Genetic testing can sometimes help identify these risks.
FAQs
Can stress cause heart failure?
Chronic stress can contribute to risk factors like high blood pressure.
Is heart failure only a concern for older adults?
No, it can affect people of all ages, though risk increases with age.
Can you prevent heart failure?
Many risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Knowledge is Power
Understanding your risk factors is the first step in protecting your heart health and preventing heart failure.
Additional References
- He J, et al. Risk factors for congestive heart failure in US men and women: NHANES I epidemiologic follow-up study. Arch Intern Med 2001; 161:996.
- Hershberger RE, et al. Genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy--a Heart Failure Society of America practice guideline. J Card Fail 2009; 15:83.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.