The doctor told about the signs of heart failure during exercise

Fatigue, even with little physical activity, can be a sign of heart failure. Ella Vinogradova, a cardiologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about this on August 5.

"Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot provide adequate blood circulation in the body in sufficient volume," the doctor said.

The specialist explained that with heart failure, the heart cannot cope with ensuring adequate blood flow. Among the most common causes are coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, heart defects, previous myocardial infarction, myocarditis, pericarditis, as well as the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In some cases, alcohol abuse or rare conditions such as thyrotoxicosis and tumor lesions of the heart can lead to a violation.

The doctor pointed out that the pathology is based on two mechanisms: the first is a compensatory reaction to a decrease in the function of the left ventricle, the second is the death of cardiomyocytes after a heart attack.

"All this leads to a gradual change in the structure of the heart and, consequently, a deterioration in its work. In such conditions, the usual load becomes heavy for him: the heart begins to work inefficiently, reducing blood flow to internal organs and muscles, which leads to rapid fatigue even with minimal physical exertion," said Vinogradova.

In addition to fatigue, possible heart failure may be indicated by shortness of breath when walking and lying down, swelling of the legs, palpitations, night awakenings due to lack of air, heaviness in the upper abdomen and general weakness. At the same time, the doctor stressed that it is impossible to independently distinguish cardiac fatigue from overwork. A similar symptom occurs in many other diseases, from diabetes and anemia to depression.

"If you have any complaints, it is important to consult a doctor. Now it can be done not only in person, but also online using telemedicine services," concluded the cardiologist.

On July 31, Olesya Makhova, head of the Competence Center for the Development of Plant-based Products of Roskachestvo, told Izvestia that an increase in the proportion of plant foods in the diet has a positive effect on heart health.

According to the expert, legumes, especially black beans, are extremely beneficial for the heart due to the content of folic acid, antioxidants and magnesium. These substances help control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. At the same time, walnuts are a valuable product for the cardiovascular system, she noted.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.