How to minimize the effects of stiff heart syndrome?

What is stiff heart syndrome? It is a serious, progressive and even complex disease that occurs due to the abnormal deposition of amyloid protein in the heart tissue, interfering with the proper functioning of the heart.

It cannot be prevented, nor can its development be avoided, but it exists a number of cardiovascular habits which the patient can apply, which contribute to reducing the effects of this disease.

One of the most important consequences of the syndrome hard heart It is a loss of the efficiency of the heart, since the ability to supply the body with blood is reduced; In fact, between 10% and 15% of heart failure (HF) cases are caused by amyloidosis.

AND first habitor that this type of patient may begin practice is exercisewhich is accepted as a viable treatment option, even in people with heart failure.

You can also follow a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, grains, legumes, fish and vegetables, and reduce the consumption of food with a high content of trans fat, cholesterol and salt. For example, it is suggested to use lemon, garlic, vinegar and pepper as spices instead of salt.

This disease can manifest itself through other symptoms such as hematomas (bruises) on the skin, carpal tunnel syndrome (pain in the wrist), protein in the urine, and even a larger than normal tongue (macroglossia).

In advanced stages, exhaustion may also occur, shortness of breath during activity daily or in a lying position, swelling of the ankles, abdomen and legs and hypotension.

For this reason, if you have difficulty breathing, fatigue or chest discomfort, it is recommended patient rest And if any of these signs persist, contact your doctor immediately. This disease is more common in middle-aged and elderly people.

“In general, this disease is multisystem and significantly affects the heartwhich means an impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers,” said Dr. Carlos Cano, Pfizer Internal Medicine Medical Director for Central America and the Caribbean (CAC).

One of the valuable heart health habits that patients with cardiac amyloidosis can implement is getting vaccinated, especially against pneumococcal and every year against the flu.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Vaccines are important because they reduce the risk of contracting other diseases, because they strengthen the body’s natural defenses for protection, and they also save millions of lives every year.

Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor Doctor This is a recommendation that should always be followed.

These patients need to reduce and control stress, as well as inform the doctor treating any changes that affect your health: fluid retention, confusion, dizziness, tachycardia, feeling short of breath, and a fast and irregular heartbeat, among others.

They must also follow periodic reviews along with an electrocardiogram and blood tests at least twice a year.