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.