One in Five People Will Have Heart Failure; Diabetics More at Risk

A new study suggests one in five people who live in developed countries can expect to experience heart failure.

As a life-threatening disease that affects 26 million people around the world, heart failure is a particular concern for diabetics. The American Diabetes Association suggests diabetics have about double the risk of a heart attack or stroke than people without the blood sugar condition.

"For patients with untreated heart failure it feels as if every breath in and out is through a narrow straw," said Andrew L. Clark, chair of the British Society for Heart Failure. "Their prognosis is worse than for most forms of cancer. But treatment at least doubles life expectancy and many cases could be prevented if patients knew what do to."

Signs, symptoms and treatment

Recognizing the symptoms of heart failure is the first step. The most notable signs are an increased swelling of the legs and breathlessness that becomes worse lying down or that wakes you up at night.

Developing a healthy lifestyle - which includes a diabetes-friendly diet, exercise, not smoking and managing stress - can lower your risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular-related complications.

Researchers warn that waiting to get tested for what may feel like minor symptoms is the worst thing you can do - about 45 percent of patients who are admitted to the hospital for heart failure die within one year of admission.

"Most types of heart failure are preventable and risk diminishes with a healthy lifestyle," a press release on the research stated. "After the disease has developed, premature deaths could be prevented if people were taught to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention."

Source: European Society of Cardiology, American Diabetes Association
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