Maya Angelou, an icon of American literature, music, and theatre, passed away in May 2014. She was 86 years old. The cause of her death has not been officially announced but speculation has linked her passing to complications from a long term heart condition. Angelou had been publicly fighting congestive heart failure for years, so it appears to be the most likely cause of her death.
Angelou had been in and out of the hospital for the past couple of years, due to her failing health, but those closest to her say she was still active and enthusiastic about life until the very end. She was a hopeful person and even wrote a poem entitled “Till the End of Time” shortly before her death.
Angelou had many medical issues over the years, including diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can contribute to developing congestive heart failure, so it is probable that the condition was the main cause of her death. Congestive heart failure is a debilitating condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diabetes.
Besides dealing with congestive heart failure, Angelou also had to deal with various other heart conditions. She underwent coronary bypass surgery and heart valve replacement, both of which are major medical procedures that can be life threatening. Her doctors had warned her that she could have another heart attack, and it appears that may have been what ultimately caused her death.
In addition to the possible medical complications, a few other factors may have contributed to Angelou’s death. Her age could have been a factor as she was 86 years old when she passed away, and her other medical issues, such as her diabetes, could have played a role in her passing. Angelou also had a history of depression and had gone through many ups and downs in her life which could have taken a toll on her health.
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
The main symptom of congestive heart failure is shortness of breath and fatigue due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Other symptoms include sudden weight gain, coughing, swollen ankles and feet, confusion, irregular heartbeat and chest pain. When these symptoms become severe, it can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrest.
Congestive heart failure can also cause anemia, a condition where the blood does not contain enough hemoglobin, which can cause further complications. If congestive heart failure is left untreated, it can lead to congestive heart failure syndrome, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
Congestive heart failure is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 300,000 lives each year. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of congestive heart failure and to seek medical help if they become severe. Early diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure can help to reduce complication and help to keep the illness from progressing.
Risk factors of Congestive Heart Failure
Some of the most common risk factors for developing congestive heart failure include age, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and genetics. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, and a history of coronary artery disease or other heart-related issues.
These risk factors can cause considerable damage to the heart and increase the chance of developing congestive heart failure. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and to seek regular medical checkups to monitor for early signs of cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure.
Treatment for congestive heart failure can involve lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and getting regular physical activity. Medication can also be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. However, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Effect of Congestive Heart Failure on Quality of Life
Congestive heart failure can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Shortness of breath and fatigue can make it difficult to do everyday tasks, such as shopping and taking a walk. Additionally, the risk of developing anemia can cause further fatigue and weakness which can limit a person’s ability to do everyday tasks.
People with congestive heart failure may also experience anxiety and depression, due to the fear of dying prematurely and the uncertainty about their future. This can lead to further deterioration of their health and an overall decrease in quality of life.
It is important for people with congestive heart failure to stay positive and focus on the treatments available. Support groups and counseling are also helpful for providing emotional support and helping people find ways to cope with their diagnosis.
Managing Congestive Heart Failure
Managing congestive heart failure is key to maintaining a good quality of life. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and to take all of the prescribed medications, as well as to attend follow-up appointments regularly. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help to reduce the symptoms.
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding certain medications such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce the risk of further complications. Self-monitoring daily for signs of fluid buildup can also be beneficial.
Regular physical activity and stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help to reduce stress levels which can be beneficial for those with congestive heart failure. Additionally, getting plenty of rest and avoiding stressful situations can help to reduce strain on the heart.
Conclusion
Although Maya Angelou passed away in 2014, the exact cause of her death has never been officially announced. However, it is likely that her congestive heart failure, which she had been fighting for many years, was the cause of her death. Congestive heart failure is a debilitating condition that can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, so it is important to be aware of the risk factors and seek treatment as soon as possible. It is also important to follow the doctor’s instructions and to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly, in order to manage congestive heart failure.
