Heart Failure

Heart Failure
What is heart failure? — Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump well. This causes the heart to lag behind in its job of moving blood throughout the body. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs in the body do not get as much blood as they need. This can lead to symptoms, such as swelling, trouble breathing, and feeling tired.
If you have heart failure, your heart has not actually “failed” or stopped beating. It just isn’t working as well as it should.
What are the symptoms of heart failure? — If your heart does not pump well, at first you might have no symptoms. But as the condition gets worse, it can cause:
● Tiredness or weakness, or make you feel lightheaded or dizzy
● Trouble breathing, which might lead you to be less active or to need extra pillows at night to sleep
● A racing heartbeat, even while resting
● Swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs or in your belly
Is there a test for heart failure? — Yes. If your doctor or nurse thinks you might have heart failure, he or she will do an exam, and might order some of the following tests:
● An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
● A blood test known as “brain natriuretic peptide” (BNP) or “Nterminal proBNP” (NTproBNP)
● A chest Xray –
● An echocardiogram
● A stress test
● Cardiac catheterization (also called “cardiac cath”)
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What can I do on my own to protect my heart? — If you do the following things, you will feel better and reduce the chances that you will need to go to the hospital:
Every morning, when you get up, check how you are doing.Look for:
Changes in breathing
Ask yourself:
• Can 1 breathe as well as I u sually can?
•Am I getting out of breath doing thing s I can normally do without a problem?
•Am I coughing more than usual?
• Did 1 use more pillows than u su al to sleep last nigh t?
Changes in weight
Weigh you rself every morning after u rinati ng but before eating.
Write down your weight on a calendar. Then ask yourself:
• Has my weight gone up or gone down compared to yesterday?
If so, by how many pounds?
• Has my weight gone up or gone down compared to a w eek ago?
If so,by how many pounds?
New or worse swelling
Ask yourself:
• Are my ank es more swollen than usual?
• Do my socks or shoes feeltighter?
• Do my clothes feel tigh ter at the wa ist?
• Do my rings fit more snugly?
Changes in your ability to do everyday things
● Take your medicines, even if you feel well – The medicines your doctor prescribes can help you feel better and live longer. But they will work only if you take them as your doctor tells you to.
● Watch for changes in your symptoms and follow an action plan – An action plan is a list of instructions on what to do if your symptoms change. To use an action plan, you must watch your symptoms closely and weigh yourself every day (see next bullet). If your symptoms get worse or if you gain weight suddenly, you must take action. Keep your action plan somewhere handy, such as on your refrigerator, so that you can always check it to see what you should do.
● Call your doctor or nurse if you gain weight suddenly – Weigh yourself every morning after you urinate but before you eat breakfast. Wear roughly the same amount of clothing every time. And make sure to write down your weight every day on a calendar. Call your doctor or nurse if your weight goes up by 2 or more pounds (1 kilogram) in 1 day, or 4 or more pounds (2 kilograms) in 1 week. When you have heart failure, sudden weight gain is a sign that your body could be holding on to too much fluid. You might need a change in your medicines.
● Cut down on salt – Try not to add salt at the table or when you cook. Also, avoid foods that come in boxes and cans, unless their labels say they are low in sodium. The best choices for food are fresh or fresh frozen foods, and foods you prepare yourself. Ask your doctor how much salt you should have. Your doctor might also tell you to limit the amount of fluids you drink.
● Lose weight, if you are overweight – If you are overweight, your heart has to work extra hard to keep up with your body’s needs.
● Stop smoking – Smoking worsens heart failure and increases the chance that you will have a heart attack or die.
● Limit alcohol – If you are a woman, do not have more than 1 drink a day. If you are a man, do not have more than 2.
● Be active – Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you. Your doctor will let you know if activities such as walking or biking on most days of the week can help reduce your symptoms. But do not exercise if your symptoms are bothering you a lot.
● Check with your doctor before taking any new medicines or supplements – Some overthecounter and prescription medicines, “natural” remedies, and supplements are not good for people with heart failure. For example, medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can make heart failure worse.
How is heart failure treated? — There are many treatments for heart failure, but medicines are a key part of controlling the condition.
● Take your medicines every day as directed. They can reduce the chances that you will need to go to the hospital, have a heart attack, or die. They can also reduce or get rid of your symptoms.
That’s why they are so important.
● Tell your doctor if your medicines cause side effects or other problems. Your doctor might be able to switch to another medicine or lower your dose so that you do not have that problem.
Other treatments for heart failure include devices to help the heart pump with more force or to beat at the right rhythm, and surgery to improve blood flow to the heart or replace the heart.