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Mar 17, 2026

More people are dying from heart failure, doctors warn: give up these 4 habits now

More people are dying from heart failure, doctors warn: give up these 4 habits now


The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation, and the American Heart Association estimate that heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic affecting at least 26 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing, according to a study published in Science Direct.

Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart is no longer working but that it isn’t pumping as it should, and the body relies on it to pump oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to its cells. When the heart loses strength and can’t deliver enough blood, it leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes a chronic cough. Over time, even routine activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and carrying bags become increasingly difficult.

While heart failure, HF, is a lifelong condition, you may have HF remission with treatment and healthy lifestyle changes. 

In fact, doctors warn of four habits that can be linked to heart failure, advising to break them for the sake of a healthy heart and overall well-being.

1. Excessive Salt Intake

A study published by AHA/ASA Journal, “Dietary sodium restriction is arguably the most frequent self-care behavior recommended to patients with heart failure (HF), and is endorsed by all HF guidelines.”

Excessive sodium intake is associated with fluid retention, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure weakens the heart and increases the strain on it, eventually leading to heart failure.

“In 2005, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association HF guidelines recommended 3000 to 4000 mg daily sodium intake, and, for patients with volume overload, restriction to 2000 mg/d. This recommendation was subsequently updated to moderate sodium restriction. The Heart Failure Society of America recommends 2000 to 3000 mg daily sodium intake and <2000 mg for patients with moderate to severe HF symptoms.”

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