The human heart has four basic functions: pumping oxygenated blood to other body parts, pumping hormones to essential areas within the body, receiving deoxygenated blood, and transferring waste products from the body to the lungs for oxygenation via the blood vessels, arteries, and veins....CONTINUE READING
The flow of blood to other organs, as well as the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body, would be impacted if the heart failed to accomplish these four functions due to a defect, and the body would suffer significantly.
Because one of the most important functions of the heart is to pump blood, some conditions could cause a situation in which a person’s heart is severely compromised in its ability to execute this vital function, and the heart is unable to meet the body’s blood needs.
Blood often backs up as a result of this, causing fluid to build up in the person’s lungs and legs. The accumulation of fluid in the lung might make it difficult for the affected person to breathe, while the accumulation of fluid in the leg can result in limb edema. Heart failure is the medical term for this illness.
A Symptom Of Heart Failure Is A Swollen Leg
According to webmd, Heart failure happens when the heart has been damaged or weakened by other disorders, or when the heart has stiffened owing to conditions such as restricted arteries in the heart or high blood pressure.
Heart attack, a faulty heart valve, an irregular heart rhythm, congenital heart disease, severe infections, allergic responses, blood clots in the lungs, and damage to the heart muscle are all common medical disorders that can weaken the heart and cause heart failure. The following are some of the most common risk factors that might lead to heart failure:
1. Obesity
2. Valvular heart disease
3. Congenital heart defects
4. Alcohol
5. Diabetes
6. Irregular heartbeats
7. Tobacco use
When you see some of the symptoms listed above, you should go to the hospital for a diagnosis and treatment. Dietary changes may also help the heart pump more blood and avoid heart failure. Here are a few foods that help the heart pump blood more efficiently:
1. Low-fat Proteins
Lean meat, skinless chicken breasts, eggs, beans, peas, fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon), soybeans, and low-fat yogurt are all good sources of low-fat protein.
2. Healthy Fats
Saturated and trans fats raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of coronary heart disease, hence they should be consumed in moderation or replaced with healthier fats. Olive oil, avocado, margarine, vegetable oil, and nuts like cashews and almonds are all good sources of healthy fats.
3. Complete Grains
Whole grains such as whole wheat flour, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and whole wheat bread are high in fiber and other nutrients that assist to manage blood pressure and enhance heart health.
4. Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits include a variety of elements, such as vitamins and minerals, that are necessary for heart health. Spinach, tomato, carrot, kale, broccoli, and cabbage are some of the heart-healthy veggies. Oranges, apples, grapefruit, and bananas are all heart-healthy fruits.
