What your cardiologist wants you to know about surviving, and living with, heart failure

Heart failure is no longer a disease of the elderly — in India, it’s striking people in their 40s and 50s. Experts explain the warning signs, risks after hospitalisation, and lifestyle measures that can save lives. (Image: Pexels)

Your heart beats over 100,000 times every day without you knowing. But when it starts struggling to keep up, your life may change in ways you might not expect. Experiencing breathlessness on a short walk, swollen ankles, feeling dizzy or just plain tired, these are warning signs that your heart is trying to convey something.

People often brush off these symptoms as getting older or just stress, Dr Abraham Oomman, cardiologist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai, told Moneycontrol. "But when it’s actually chronic heart failure, the heart can’t pump blood properly anymore, and the damage quietly worsens", says Dr Oomman.

Heart failure isn’t like a broken bone that heals and forgets, says Dr Ooman. "It’s a chronic condition that creeps up, sometimes so gently you barely notice until it’s serious. Going to hospital might save your life, but it’s only the start of the fight", he adds.

Also Read: 7 surprising early signs of heart failure you should never ignore

According to a recent study in the Indian Heart Journal, the risks actually rise sharply after hospital discharge. “In fact, people who’ve been hospitalised with heart failure are six times more likely to die soon after.” he adds. Almost three-quarters might find themselves back in hospital or worse, within a year. Dr Oomman warns, “We often think getting out of hospital means you’re ‘better’, but for heart failure patients, that’s just the beginning. Every time the heart struggles enough to land you in hospital, it weakens further.”

Unlike many Western countries where heart failure mostly affects older adults, in India it’s hitting people in their 40s and 50s. “We’re seeing patients much younger, often with diabetes and high blood pressure, which speeds up heart damage,” explains Dr Oomman. It’s not just a health problem, it’s a life problem. “These are people at the peak of their careers and family lives. Heart failure disrupts everything, jobs, relationships, dreams.”

Even with medicines and treatment, heart failure patients carry what doctors call ‘residual risk’—meaning the chance of sudden relapse or hospitalisation is still there. Dr Oomman says, “Stability is delicate. One in seven patients will face serious setbacks within 18 months. That’s why regular check-ups and being alert to even small changes in your health are vital.”

Prevention tips:

Dr Oomman shares, “Don’t wait for symptoms to return or worsen. Keep up with doctor visits, take medicines as prescribed, and follow positive lifestyle changes. Small things like watching your salt intake, staying active, and managing stress can make a big difference. “Patients and families need to understand that heart failure isn’t gone just because symptoms fade,” says Dr Oomman. “It’s about constant care, awareness, and teamwork.”

Heart failure can feel like a heavy burden, but with ongoing support and care, life can still be full and meaningful. “The goal isn’t just to survive, but to live well, with dignity and confidence. If you or a loved one is facing heart failure, remember: it’s not the end of your story. With the right knowledge, medical care, and support, you can rewrite your journey from crisis to calm.” Dr Oomman opines.

Also Read: Heart health: What every cardiologist wishes you knew when it comes to cardiac care

FAQs on Surviving with Heart Failure:

1. What are the common symptoms of heart failure?
Common symptoms include breathlessness, swollen ankles, dizziness, and fatigue.

2. Can younger people be affected by heart failure?
Yes, in India, heart failure is increasingly affecting people in their 40s and 50s, often due to diabetes and high blood pressure.

3. How can heart failure patients manage their condition?
Regular doctor visits, taking prescribed medications, watching salt intake, staying active, and managing stress are crucial.

4. Is hospital discharge the end of heart failure treatment?
No, discharge is just the beginning. Patients need ongoing care and monitoring to prevent relapse and manage the condition effectively.

5. Can lifestyle changes help in managing heart failure?
Yes, positive lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, staying active, and managing stress can significantly help in managing heart failure.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.