6 Common Misconceptions About Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart, the pump of the circulatory system, does not function efficiently enough to meet the body's blood circulation needs. According to the HAPPY (Heart Failure Prevalence and Predictors in Turkey) study conducted in our country, more than 2 million people have heart failure at various stages. This number is expected to increase in the future. Heart failure remains an important health problem in our country as it does worldwide. In fact, survival rates in heart failure are lower than in some types of cancer such as prostate, breast and colon cancer. Although heart failure is a serious problem, it can actually be controlled through early diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving patients' quality of life and extending their lifespan.

Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci, Cardiologist at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital, pointed out that misconceptions about heart failure in the community can prevent early diagnosis and treatment, and explained 6 commonly believed false beliefs; he made important recommendations and warnings!

Heart failure is a disease.

THE TRUTH: Contrary to the widespread belief in society, heart failure is not a disease but a consequence resulting from various diseases. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci lists the main causes leading to impaired heart function and heart failure as follows: Cardiovascular diseases (with or without prior heart attack) Heart muscle diseases (impairment in the heart's contraction and relaxation function) Heart valve diseases (stenosis or insufficiency) Congenital heart diseases Various arrhythmias Hypertension, diabetes, thyroid problems (hypothyroidism-hyperthyroidism), toxic chemicals (alcohol, various medications...)  

Symptoms of heart failure are the same in every patient.

THE TRUTH: Symptoms and findings in heart failure may not be the same in every patient. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci stated, "In some patients, symptoms are milder depending on the level of heart function, while in others they can be more severe" and continued his remarks as follows: "Shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue, rapid fatigue, swelling in the legs and body, weight gain, abdominal bloating, palpitations-irregular heartbeat and chronic cough constitute the main complaints and findings of heart failure. Depending on the degree of insufficiency in patients, several or many of these symptoms may develop."  

I can tell if I have heart failure by looking at my symptoms myself.

THE TRUTH: Some of the signs that develop in heart failure can also be seen in other diseases. For example, shortness of breath, weakness and rapid fatigue; these can also occur in lung, blood and muscle diseases other than the heart. Swelling and weight gain can also be caused by kidney and thyroid diseases. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci points out that symptoms must be interpreted by doctors from the relevant specialty, and notes that "To make a diagnosis of heart failure, in addition to physical examination, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, blood tests and, if necessary, coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization are performed."

My symptoms disappeared with treatment. In this case, can I stop taking my medications?

THE TRUTH: "The disappearance of symptoms with treatment does not mean the patient is cured. Therefore, stopping medications is an extremely wrong action," warns Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci. He stated, "In some cases, even if heart failure improves with treatment of the underlying cause, in most cases the disease processes continue. After balance is achieved with medications and symptoms and findings of heart failure have subsided, leaving treatment uncontrolled causes the insufficiency picture to recur again. Although medications may be changed depending on the stage of the disease, treatment continues for life," he expressed. Noting that modern and effective drug treatments are available today that eliminate symptoms and control underlying processes, Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci informs that in addition to these, some patients receive pacemakers that increase the heart's contraction efficiency and treat fatal arrhythmias, as well as mechanical heart support devices. Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci notes that with these, both the quality of life and life expectancy of patients are increased.  

The sexual life of heart patients comes to an end.

THE TRUTH: "On the contrary, a regular sexual life is very important for overall health and this applies to heart patients as well," stated Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci, and continued as follows: "Sexual life should continue after cardiac events such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, bypass surgery and stent placement. Restriction of sexual activity is sufficient for 2 weeks after infarction and 6-8 weeks after bypass surgery depending on the patient's condition. After this period, it is permitted based on the patient's individual performance and clinical presentation," Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci emphasizes that the effort expended during sexual activity is equivalent to climbing stairs twice or walking briskly on a flat road for 20 minutes, and states, "Patients who can perform these activities without problems and without complaints are considered suitable. Additionally, an effort stress test performed in a hospital setting can also assist in decision-making." Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci mentioned that various sexual function disorders can develop in patients both due to medications used and due to heart disease, and in these cases, necessary treatment adjustments can be made and support can be sought from other specialties such as Urology and Gynecology.  

If pain occurs during intercourse, all patients can take sublingual vasodilating medication.

THE TRUTH: If chest pain occurs during sexual intercourse, patients who have used erectile dysfunction medications should absolutely not take sublingual nitroglycerin-containing medication, as this can cause serious fatal hypotension. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bekir Sıtkı Cebeci notes that interrupting sexual activity would be sufficient in this case, and continues his remarks as follows: "If the complaint passes, intercourse can be resumed at a lower pace. If it does not pass and continues, a healthcare facility should be consulted. If the patient is not using this type of medication, sublingual nitroglycerin can be used in case of chest pain. I recommend that patients discuss all these issues clearly with their doctor."