Heart Failure

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 might order some of the following tests:

• A chest X-ray – A chest X-ray shows if there is fluid in the lungs. It also shows the general shape of the heart and large blood vessels in the chest.
• An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This test measures the electrical activity in your heart. It can show whether you have an abnormal heartbeat or had a heart attack in the past. These are some of the things that can cause heart failure
• An echocardiogram – This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your heart as it beats. It shows the size of the heart chambers, how well the heart is pumping, and how well the heart valves are working.
• A stress test – During a stress test, you might be asked to run or walk on a treadmill while you have an ECG or other heart tests. Physical activity makes the heart pump harder and increases the heart’s need for blood. This test helps doctors see if the heart is getting enough blood when it is under stress. If you cannot walk or run, you might instead get a medicine to stress your heart.
• Cardiac catheterization – Cardiac (heart) catheterization is also known as cardiac “cath” or coronary angiography. During this test, the doctor inserts a thin tube into a large artery in your leg and threads it up to your heart. Then the doctor injects a dye that shows up on X-ray pictures. The pictures can show whether any of the arteries in your heart are narrowed or blocked.

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

• Take your medicines every day, 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 every day.

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 (heart failure action plan – pages 1 and 2, see below). 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 in one day, or 4 or more pounds 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. 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 over-the counter and prescription medicines, “natural” remedies, and supplements are not good for people with heart failure. For example, medicines such as ibuprofen (sold as Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (sold as Aleve®) 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 you can’t afford your medicines. He or she might have ways to reduce the cost of your medicines.
• 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.

Heart failure action plan – page 1