![]() Age. The risk of developing OA increases with age and symptoms generally, but not always, appear in people over 50.There is no cure for OA, but there are ways to manage OA to minimize pain, continue physical activities, maintain a good quality of life and remain mobile.įactors that may contribute to the development of OA include OA is not an inevitable aging disease some people never develop it. It typically develops slowly over time, but after such an injury, it can develop much more rapidly, within just a few years. OA can affect any joint, but typically affects hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck. Its signs and symptoms typically show up more often in individuals over age 50, but OA can affect much younger people, too, especially those who have had a prior joint injury, such as a torn ACL or meniscus. Osteoarthritis can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. But we know now that it is a disease of the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat and the tissues lining the joint (the synovium). Historically, osteoarthritis (OA) was known as a “wear and tear” condition, generally associated with aging. Lots of people remain stable for many years, while in some cases it may get worse quickly.Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can severely limit the activities you're able to do and is often eventually fatal.īut it's very difficult to tell how the condition will progress on an individual basis. Heart failure is a serious long-term condition that will usually continue to get slowly worse over time. For example, if your heart valves are damaged, replacing or repairing them may cure the condition. Treatment will usually be needed for life.Ī cure may be possible when heart failure has a treatable cause. surgery – such as a bypass operation or a heart transplant.devices implanted in your chest – these can help control your heart rhythm.medicine – a range of medicines can help many people need to take 2 or 3 different types.lifestyle changes – including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and stopping smoking.How you're treated will depend on what is causing your heart failure. Treatment for heart failure usually aims to control the symptoms for as long as possible and slow down the progression of the condition. Sometimes obesity, anaemia, drinking too much alcohol, an overactive thyroid or high pressure in the lungs ( pulmonary hypertension) can also lead to heart failure. congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart.damage or other problems with the heart valves.heart rhythm problems ( arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation.conditions affecting the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy).high blood pressure – this can put extra strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure.coronary heart disease – where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged up with fatty substances ( atherosclerosis), which may cause angina or a heart attack.Heart failure is often the result of a number of problems affecting the heart at the same time.Ĭonditions that can lead to heart failure include: See a GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure.Ĭall 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms.Ī number of tests can be used to help check how well your heart is working, including blood tests, an ECG and an echocardiogram.įind out more about how heart failure is diagnosed Causes of heart failure Symptoms can develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure). Some people also experience other symptoms, such as a persistent cough, a fast heart rate and dizziness. ![]() feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise exhausting.breathlessness after activity or at rest.It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years. Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people. It means it needs some support to help it work better. Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It's sometimes called congestive heart failure, although this name is not widely used now. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff. Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly.
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