Introduction
Heart failure is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone, even celebrities. Unfortunately, both Sidney Poitier and Nichelle Nichols have been claimed by this condition. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. The key symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and an increased need to urinate at night. Eating the right foods can help manage the symptoms of heart failure and reduce the risk of complications. Eating a balanced diet that is low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart failure. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also help reduce the risk of heart failure. Knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid can help you manage your heart failure and reduce the risk of complications.
Heart Failure Claimed Sidney Poitier and Nichelle Nichols
The recent passing of two beloved Hollywood icons, Sidney Poitier and Nichelle Nichols, has brought to light the dangers of heart failure. Both actors had long and successful careers, but ultimately succumbed to the effects of this serious condition. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. While there is no cure for heart failure, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it.
Key Symptoms of Heart Failure
The most common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
Eat This, Not That
Making healthy lifestyle choices is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart failure. Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your heart healthy. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in sodium can also help reduce your risk. Additionally, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help keep your heart strong and healthy.
Heart failure is a common condition that, left untreated, could lead to death. Oscar winner Sidney Poitier died of heart failure at the age of 94 a little more than a year ago. Beloved Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols died of the same ailment at age 89 a few months later. Both also had underlying health conditions, including dementia. Heart failure, sometimes called congestive heart failure, is when the heart is too weak to pump blood properly. It may be a chronic condition or occur suddenly. If the heart cannot do its job sufficiently, it could cause fluid to back up in the blood vessels from the lungs to the heart and other tissues. Not enough blood may get to organs, causing multiple symptoms. Lifestyle can contribute to heart failure, including smoking, lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, or drug or alcohol use. Heart failure risk increases for older people and for others based on race, sex and family history. Chronic health issues can also lead to it, including high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, viral infections such as HIV and COVID-19, and diabetes and sleep apnea. Here are warning signs and symptoms that suggest heart failure. If you have one or more of these symptoms and are concerned you may have heart failure, consult your doctor or call 911.
This can come during activity but also while lying down or even during sleep. Sitting up may improve breathing in this situation. It comes from fluid buildup in the lungs as the heart doesn’t move enough blood. At its worst, the condition could lead to breathlessness, anxiety or coughing up pink or bloody mucus foam.
Swelling in the lower body and legs, ankles and feet is another symptom of fluid buildup as a result of heart failure. Fluid buildup can also occur in organs of the body. In part, the swelling results from the inability of the kidneys to excrete sodium and water. That could manifest as swelling of the abdomen.
A rapid heartbeat is the body’s attempt to compensate for the heart’s inability to move sufficient blood. It may also lead to chest pain, irregular heart rhythm or even fainting. The rapid pulse may feel like fluttering or pounding.
A person may feel weak and tired as the body redirects blood away from the muscles and other organs to the heart and brain when the heart can’t keep up. This can lead to chronic fatigue, making it hard to exercise or conduct normal life activities. A person with heart failure may also have decreased alertness or the ability to concentrate.
As blood is redirected away from the digestive system and liver, a person may lose appetite or feel nauseated. A person may also feel full even if she hasn’t eaten. “With heart failure, you may experience a loss or change in appetite, or feelings of nausea. Some people have a feeling of being full or nauseous even if they have eaten very little. They may also experience abdominal pain or tenderness,” says Heart Failure Matters. “These symptoms are often due to a build-up of fluid around the liver and gut (intestines) interfering with digestion. If you notice any changes in your appetite, or start experiencing problems with digestion, this may be an indication that your heart failure is getting worse and you should consult your doctor or nurse.”