South Korean actor Shin Gu revealed that he was diagnosed with heart failure in 2022 and now relies on a pacemaker. He shared that he has lost 7-8 kg (15-18 pounds) and said that his pacemaker is expected to last about a decade, joking that it might outlive him. Following his announcement, fellow actors and fans have expressed their support and well wishes for his recovery.
Heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, is becoming more common due to the aging population. The heart works harder in hot weather to regulate body temperature, increasing the risk of overload. Medical experts emphasize the importance of regularly assessing physical condition to detect heart failure early.
Heart failure occurs when various underlying conditions weaken the heart’s ability to supply blood throughout the body. Causes include coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats, and weakened heart muscles (cardiomyopathy).
Cases linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes have risen significantly, as these conditions cause chronic inflammation that damages heart muscles and blood vessels. Even without specific health issues, the risk increases with age. Statistics show that 5.5% of people in their 60s and 70s and 12% of those over 80 are diagnosed with heart failure.
Dr. Kim Mi Jeong, a cardiologist at the Catholic University of Korea, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, said that heart failure is like a car engine breaking down or running out of fuel, making it unable to function properly. He warned that late-stage heart failure has a five-year mortality rate exceeding 50%, making it deadlier than some cancers. However, early diagnosis and management can significantly improve outcomes.
Heart failure can develop suddenly in elderly individuals with preexisting conditions such as lung, kidney, or liver disease, cognitive impairment, autoimmune disorders, or cancer, even if they previously had no heart problems. Certain chemotherapy drugs, alcohol, and appetite suppressants can also trigger heart failure in people sensitive to cardiotoxic substances.
Dr. Kim noted that while survival rates for severe heart conditions like heart attacks have improved, some survivors go on to develop heart failure. As life expectancy increases and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes become more common, heart failure cases are expected to rise substantially.
The most common symptom of heart failure is shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Initially, this occurs only during physical activity, but as the condition worsens, breathing difficulties may arise even when lying down or sleeping. Swelling in the ankles and calves is another indicator, and in severe cases, abdominal swelling can occur.
Swelling in both feet is a strong sign of potential heart failure. Some patients also experience digestive issues due to reduced blood flow to the stomach, often accompanied by swelling.
Another warning sign is a noticeable decline in physical ability. If activities that were easy six months or a year ago, such as walking around a park twice or climbing a few flights of stairs, suddenly become difficult, this may indicate heart failure.
Delaying medical attention by mistaking these symptoms for minor ailments can worsen the condition. Prompt and accurate assessment is crucial. Regularly monitoring physical capabilities is essential for early detection.
Heart failure affects the heart and the entire body due to inadequate blood supply. It can lead to kidney failure, increase the risk of liver dysfunction, and cause severe damage to the brain and lungs. Immediate treatment is necessary to minimize harm to other organs.
Treatment varies based on the cause and severity of symptoms. Medication is typically used, and oxygen therapy may sometimes be required. For structural issues, interventional procedures or surgeries can help restore heart function.
Preventing heart failure requires maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, following a balanced, low-salt diet, exercising for at least 30 minutes daily based on individual fitness levels, and effectively managing stress.
Dr. Cho Dong Hyuk, a cardiologist at Korea University Anam Hospital, stressed the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention for suspected heart failure symptoms. He noted that recent advancements have led to the development of promising new medications for improving heart failure conditions.
Dr. Cho emphasized the importance of consulting specialists about the timing and maintenance of heart failure medications. He pointed out that treatment approaches vary based on individual patient factors, underlying conditions, and symptoms. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and thorough management by specialists are crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy.