Heart Failure

When you have heart failure, the heart can't pump oxygen-rich blood through your body as well as it should. Blood and fluid may back up into the lungs, and some parts of the body don't get enough oxygen-rich blood to work normally.

 

Because of heart failure, not enough blood leaves the heart with each beat. There are two types of heart failure - systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure. Both affect the ventricles' ability to pump blood. You may have one or both types.

 

 

Use the links below to learn more about how heart failure affects the body, as well as the signs, diagnosis, treatment and more.

 

 

 

 

How does heart failure affect the body?  When the heart doesn't pump enough blood, hormones (body chemicals) are sent to increase the amount of work the heart does. Some hormones make the heart grow larger. Others tell the heart to pump faster. As a result, the heart may pump more blood at first, but it can't keep up with the ongoing demands. So, the heart muscle becomes more damaged. Over time, even less blood is pumped through the heart. This leads to problems throughout the body.

 

 

What are some signs of heart failure?  Once you have heart failure, flare-ups can happen. Gaining weight is often the first warning sign of trouble. That's why you need to weigh yourself each day. But there are other signs of trouble, too. Here are some things to watch for:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the signs listed above or you have any other unusual symptoms.

 

 

 

How is heart failure diagnosed?  To evaluate your condition, your doctor will examine you, ask questions and run tests. Along with looking for signs of heart failure, the doctor looks for any other health problems that may have led to heart failure.

 

Your visit will start with a health history. Tell the doctor about any symptoms you've noticed and about all medications you take. Then you'll have a physical exam. This includes listening to your heartbeat and breathing. You'll also be checked for edema (swelling).

 

The following may be done to help your doctor form a diagnosis:

 

 

How is heart failure treated?  Based on the results of your evaluation and tests, your doctor will develop a treatment plan. This plan is designed to relieve some of your heart failure symptoms and help make you more comfortable. Your treatment plan may include:

Certain procedures may help in some cases of heart failure. They are done to treat health problems that are affecting your heart. These procedures are not the best options for all patients. If any of them can help you, your doctor will give you more details.

 

If you have coronary artery disease or valve disease, procedures may be done to improve blood flow. This helps the heart pump better, which can improve heart failure symptoms.

Additionally, there are devices that may be attached to the heart to regulate a slow or abnormal heart rhythm, helping to take strain off the heart:

For a few people who are very sick, a heart transplant may be an option. A heart transplant is very serious and not an option for all patients. Your doctor can tell you more.

 

 

 

How can I stay active with heart failure?  Being active doesn't mean that you have to wear yourself out. Even a little movement each day helps to strengthen your heart. If you can't get out to exercise, you can do simple stretching and strengthening exercises at home. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself moving:

Don't push yourself on days when you don't feel well.

 

 

 

What changes should I make to my diet?  When you have heart failure, excess fluid is more likely to build up in your body. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Fluid buildup also causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and edema (swelling). Controlling the amount of salt (sodium) you eat may help prevent fluid from building up. Your doctor may also tell you to reduce the amount of fluid you drink.