As a result of the increased burden, the heart is unable to overcome, and the patient is in the stage of heart failure. According to Dr. Arasu, "the good news is that a patient with heart failure can live a nearly normal life if they are compliant with their medications and follow-ups with the doctor."
Our heart has the most difficult job. It continuously pumps blood through our body's sixty thousand miles of blood vessels. Any impediment to the heart's functioning results in heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic, non-communicable disease that lasts a lifetime. It is critical to discuss heart failure because the mortality rate is more than 20%. Furthermore, patients in India are ten years younger than the global average. The Times of India's Beat Heart Failure initiative, in collaboration with Novartis, aims to raise awareness about heart failure, as well as its management and treatment. Multiple panel discussions with senior doctors from India's best hospitals are being held as part of the initiative's fourth leg. One such discussion was held with doctors from the PSG Institute of Medical Science and Research about heart failure and how regular treatment can help adults and children with heart failure live a better life. "Heart failure is highly treatable. Of course, in deserving patients, transplantation can cure the disease." Dr. J. S Bhuvaneswaran, Director of PSG Super Specialty Hospitals Peelamedu, Coimbatore, said these encouraging words to heart failure patients. The following PSG Institute of Medical Science and Research doctors participated in the discussion: Dr. Vinoth Doraiswami is a Paediatric Cardiology Consultant. 2. Dr. K. Tamil Arasu: Cardiology Consultant Dr. Prem Krishna Anandan is a consultant in cardiology. Dr. R.B Vidhyakar is a consultant in cardiology. Dr. Arasu began the discussion by stating that many people believe that heart failure is a death sentence; however, heart failure is a gradual weakening of the heart muscle, which causes the heart to work at a reduced capacity. When the heart pumps blood, it contracts (this is known as Systole) and relaxes (this is known as Diastole) (called Diastole). When either of these two is harmed, heart failure develops gradually. Hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease are the most common causes of adult heart failure.

Dr. Prem went on to say that while most patients complain of breathing problems, they prefer to go to a pharmacy and self-prescribe medication rather than see a cardiologist. By the time the patient realizes that his or her symptoms aren't going away, the disease has advanced and heart failure has set in. Fatigue, edema of the lower limbs and abdomen, deranged renal function, and low blood pressure are some of the other symptoms that are difficult to manage because the heart is in the decompensated stage.

Dr. Vidhyakar distinguished between a heart attack and a heart failure. A heart attack is the sudden cessation of the heart's blood supply. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, heartburn, and an irregular heartbeat. Heart failure is diagnosed when the heart isn't working as well as it should. Diabetes and hypertension are two of the most common causes of coronary artery disease, which strains the heart. The heart is unable to overcome the increased burden, and the patient is in a heart failure stage. According to Dr. Arasu, "the good news is that a patient with heart failure can live a near-normal life if they are compliant with their medications and follow-ups with the doctor." It is critical to keep fluid input and output under control. Fluid intake can range from a glass of water to water-related food, according to Dr. Prem. Keeping track of the amount of fluid consumed and urine output will aid in management. An individual's fluid intake is determined by the stage of the disease.

The amount of salt intake should be closely monitored, because if the salt content is high then it will result in water retention. The medicines taken by heart failure patients should be checked because a single painkiller can precipitate the symptoms. Any other comorbidities such as anemia, hyperactive thyroid should be addressed. Flu shots should be taken on time to avoid any unnecessary burden on the heart.