Keep waking so early?
atrium, which receives oxygenating blood returning from the lungs, and the left ventricle, which pumps the blood out to the body via the aorta.
When the atrium contracts, the valve opens and then when the ventricle contracts, it shuts, preventing blood returning backwards to the atrium. If the valve is leaky it can cause an increase in pressure within the atrium and this can lead to congestion of blood in the lungs.
It can also mean that less blood is pumped out into the aorta. The heart tries to compensate for this with the wall of the ventricle becoming thicker and also with an increase in the heart rate.
A pacemaker is a small device that is fitted in the chest to control abnormal heart rhythms.
Heart failure is a medical term used to describe weakening of the heart muscle, which means the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood around the body to meet its needs. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, particularly during exercise, tiredness and swollen ankles. Having either a pacemaker or a leaking mitral valve doesn’t mean you have heart failure but does mean you may be more at risk of developing it
You can help by losing excess weight, eating a low-fat diet and not smoking. Doing daily activity is helpful, even if you find it difficult. You should also get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly.
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@express.co.uk
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence and that, due to the volume of letters, cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about Dr Rosemary at drrosemaryleonard.co.uk