Luis Díaz’s father admitted to hospital: what is decompensated heart failure?

Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of Liverpool forward Luis Fernando Díaz, has been admitted to San Rafael hospital, located in the municipality of San Juan del Cesar de la Guajira. He is reported to have suffered “a decompensation affecting the heart” and high blood pressure according to Caracol Radio who broke the news.

Mane Díaz, as he is commonly known, complained of severe chest pain and was taken by ambulance from Barrancas to San Juan de Cesar hospital, where he is currently being treated.

One of Mane’s other sons, Roller David Díaz, posted a message of reassurance on Instagram, denying that his father had suffered a heart attack. “I don’t understand why there are people so malicious in slandering these things without knowing, my father is in very good health, thank God,” he wrote.

The medical center is expected to give a detailed report on Mane’s situation in the next few hours. Mane had been spending the Christmas and New Year holidays in his homeland.

What is a cardiac decompensation?

Patients that show symptoms of decompensated heart failure (DHF) require immediate medical attention to take the strain off heart muscles. Failing to get treatment could worsen the condition.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, heavy, swollen legs and ankles, fatigue and nighttime coughing.

While there is no cure for heart failure, medication and/or surgery can help in reducing the symptoms. Treatment for DHF will also protect other organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs from suffering more damage.

When a blockage is involved, doctors might recommend inserting a stent or undergoing bypass surgery.