Imagine waking up every morning feeling like you’ve run a marathon, even though you’ve barely gotten out of bed. Your body aches, your breath is short and the simplest tasks feel like climbing the peak of a mountain.
This is the harsh reality for patients living with heart failure, a condition that can turn even the most mundane activities into a daily struggle. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of this harmful condition, outlining the importance of receiving disability benefits for patients.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure occurs when the organ’s muscle fails to regulate blood properly. When this happens, blood backs up, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
This failure can be due to heavy alcohol drinking, illegal drug use and infections. Chemotherapy medications can also compromise the heart chambers or ventricles.
Certain diseases and conditions can also increase the risk of heart failure. Coronary artery disease and heart attack are all significant risk factors, as they can weaken the heart muscle and limit its ability to pump blood effectively.
Other risk factors include congenital heart disease, which can affect the heart’s structure or function from birth, and diabetes, which increases the risk of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Symptoms of this condition may develop slowly, while other symptoms can start suddenly. These may include:
Shortness of breath when lying down.
Fatigue.
Swelling in the legs.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Reduced ability to exercise.
Proper treatment may improve the symptoms and help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes can also improve the patient’s quality of life.
Get the support you need
Heart failure is a scary and disabling condition. If you’re struggling to work or perform daily tasks due to heart failure, it’s crucial to explore your options for disability benefits. These benefits can provide the financial support and resources you need to focus on your health and well-being.The post What you need to know about heart failure first appeared on Disability Rights Law Center.