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More than a million people in the UK live with heart failure, but a new simple blood test could identify those at high risk of dying from heart failure.

A study funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and published in the European Journal of Heart Failure found that patients with the highest concentrations of a protein called neuropeptide Y (NPY) died from cardiac complications compared to other patients. It turns out that you are 50% more likely to. A person with a low level. Data from more than 800 people in various stages of heart failure was used.

Researchers hope that a blood test for NPY will be available in the clinic within five years.

So what exactly is heart failure and how can you reduce your risk?

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means that the heart cannot pump blood around the body properly, usually as a result of the heart becoming weak or stiff (such as after a heart attack or due to high blood pressure). The onset can be sudden or gradual, and symptoms include shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, and, in worse cases, difficulty moving. There is no cure, but lifestyle measures and medical treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

“[Heart failure] It usually occurs as the end result of many potential underlying causes. The most common are high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (atherosclerotic plaques within the heart arteries that cause narrowing and subsequent heart attacks),” says Dr. Schneider, a consultant hematologist and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician at Plant-Based Health. says Dr. Shireen Kassam, founder of Professionals. England. “Other causes include diseases of the heart muscle itself (cardiomyopathy), heart valve disease, heart rhythm abnormalities, and congenital causes.”

How can heart failure be prevented?

Avoid tobacco and nicotine use

The best way to prevent heart failure is to avoid major risk factors, including smoking.

“Studies show that nicotine in smoking products contributes to the release of adrenaline, which can cause an increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of heart failure,” says Carolina Gonçalves, Managing Pharmacist at Farmica. “Some research suggests that cigarette smoke damages artery walls, causing the heart to beat harder to pump blood around the body (increasing blood pressure), which can lead to heart failure.

“It is clear that avoiding tobacco and nicotine by reducing or eliminating cigarette and e-cigarette use can reduce the odds of heart failure.”

reduce salt intake

Excessive salt intake is also associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and various heart diseases.

“Some research suggests that high salt intake may contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy, which means thickening of the left ventricular wall. This causes the heart to pump harder than normal and risks malfunction. will increase,” Gonsalves added.

Some salt is essential, but we can usually get the amount we need without adding more. Dr. Gonsalves says, “It is therefore recommended to reduce salt intake, preferably by reducing the use of table salt and relying on the natural sodium found in food for adequate sodium intake.” . Also be wary of processed foods that are also high in “hidden” sodium, such as breads, sauces, prepared foods, and processed meats.

Eat a diet rich in healthy plant foods

“[This] That means focusing your diet on foods that are low in calories but rich in healthy nutrients,” says Kassam. “These health-promoting nutrients include fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. In contrast, saturated fat, heme iron, and additives found in foods of animal origin and ultra-processed foods. , avoid or minimize harmful nutrients such as preservatives.

“As a result, plant-based diets reduce inflammation, reduce insulin resistance, maintain a healthy weight, support better gut microbiome health, and favorably alter gene expression. This has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart failure.”manage stress levels

It’s not always clear how stress affects our health, but stress is linked to many things that can contribute to heart disease.

For example, chronic stress is associated with increased levels of inflammation in the body, and Gonsalves notes that stress can cause excessive levels of adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that increases heart rate and causes vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels). “As a result, blood pressure increases,” she added.

“Consider meditating or taking deep breaths to calm your mind and prevent frequent releases of adrenaline into your bloodstream,” suggests Gonsalves. “If an individual is experiencing chronic stress, it may be worth talking to a loved one or a counselor to discuss what is causing the stress and find solutions.”

Be careful about alcohol intake

“Alcohol consumption is likely to have negative health effects,” Kassam says. “This is an important risk factor for developing high blood pressure and heart failure. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms, which can have negative effects on the heart muscle.”

do physical activity

Regular physical activity – current recommendations recommend 150 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise, along with muscle-strengthening exercises two to three times a week – is also important.

“This helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, maintain a healthy weight, keep hormone levels stable, lower blood lipid levels, and positively impact the gut microbiome. ,” says Kassam. “Regular physical activity is key to maintaining heart health and preventing heart failure.”

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