Heart failure, a critical medical condition impacting millions globally, poses a significant challenge to public health. In India, this concern has grown steadily, with an increasing number of cases reported each year, especially among individuals below 65 years of age. Notably, urban areas witness a higher incidence due to lifestyle factors such as poor dietary choices, sedentary living, and mounting stress levels. However, amidst this rising burden of heart failure cases, early detection and prevention emerge as powerful tools for effectively managing this condition.
Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, arises when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, leading to an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. This deficiency results in a range of distressing symptoms, including breathlessness, fatigue, limb and abdominal swelling, and diminished exercise capacity. Heart failure is often detected at an advanced stage when symptoms have already become severe. This late detection significantly impacts a person's quality of life, as the condition may have progressed to a stage where treatment options are limited and managing daily activities becomes increasingly challenging. The earlier the condition is identified, the greater the opportunity to mitigate its impact and improve the overall well-being of individuals at risk.