Doctor Warns 1 in 4 People Will Develop Heart Failure, Urges Early Care
Updated
Updated · American Medical Association · Jul 22
Doctor Warns 1 in 4 People Will Develop Heart Failure, Urges Early Care
1 articles · Updated · American Medical Association · Jul 22
Summary
Nearly 7 million Americans have heart failure, and Dr. Olivia Gilbert said symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling and sudden weight changes are often mistaken for normal aging.
About 60% of diagnoses stem from coronary artery disease, while high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, valve disease, genetics, viruses and some chemotherapy drugs also raise risk.
Diagnosis combines symptoms with tests including BNP or NT-proBNP blood work and an echocardiogram, which helps classify heart failure by ejection fraction—40% or less, 41% to 49%, or 50% and above.
Four main drug classes—RAAS blockers, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and SGLT2 inhibitors—can improve outcomes, alongside fluid limits of 48 to 64 ounces and sodium targets near 1,500 mg a day for cardiac patients.
Gilbert said early intervention matters most: patients should call a doctor after gaining more than 2 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week, and prevention starts with controlling blood pressure, diabetes and weight.