Symptoms and treatment of Heart failure

Description

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, the blood often accumulates and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing.

Some diseases of the heart slowly leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. These conditions include the narrowing of the arteries in the heart and high blood pressure.

The appropriate treatment can improve the symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes can improve the quality of life. Trying to lose weight, do exercise, you use less salt, and managing stress.

But heart failure can be life-threatening. People with heart failure may have serious symptoms. Some may need a heart transplant, or a device to help the heart pump blood.

Heart failure may also be called congestive heart failure.

Symptoms

If you have heart failure, the heart cannot supply enough blood to meet your body's needs.

The symptoms may develop slowly. Sometimes, the heart failure symptoms start suddenly. The symptoms of heart failure may include:

Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
Fatigue and weakness.
Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Decreased ability to exercise.
Wheezing.
A cough that does not go away or a cough that brings white or pink mucus with blood stains.
The swelling of the belly area.
Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup.
Nausea and lack of appetite.
Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness.
Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack.

When to see a doctor

Consult your health care professional if you think you might have symptoms of heart failure. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you have any of the following:

Pain in the chest.
Fainting or severe weakness.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting.
Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus.

These symptoms can be due to a heart failure. But there are many other possible causes. Do not try to diagnose.

In the emergency room, health professionals do tests to find out if the symptoms are due to heart failure or something else.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have heart failure and:

Your symptoms suddenly get worse.
You develop a new symptom.
You get 5 pounds (2.3 kg) or more, within a couple of days.

Such changes may mean that the current of heart failure is getting worse or that the treatment is not working.

Causes

Heart failure can be caused by a weakened, damaged, or stiffness in the heart.

If the heart is damaged or weakened, the chambers of the heart can stretch and bigger. The heart is unable to pump the required amount of blood.
If the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles), are rigid, they can not fill with enough blood between beats.

The heart muscle can be damaged by certain infections, excessive use of alcohol, recreational drug use, and some chemotherapy drugs. Genes may also play a role.

Any of the following conditions can also damage or weaken the heart and cause heart failure.

Coronary artery disease and heart attack.Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. The disease results from the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. Deposits narrow the arteries. This reduces the blood flow and can cause a heart attack. A heart attack occurs suddenly when an artery that feeds the heart is completely blocked. The damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack can mean that the heart can't pump as well as it should.
The high blood pressure. Also called hypertension, this condition forces the heart to work harder than it should to pump the blood through the body. Over time, the excess of work can make the muscle of the heart too stiff or too weak to pump blood properly.
Heart valve disease. The valves of the heart keep blood flowing in the right way. If a valve is not working properly, the heart must work harder to pump blood. This can weaken the heart over time. The treatment of some types of heart valve disease can reverse heart failure.
Inflammation of the heart muscle, also called myocarditis. Myocarditis is most commonly caused by a virus, including the COVID-19 virus, and can lead to left-sided heart failure.
A condition of the heart that is born with, also called a congenital defect of the heart. If the heart and its chambers or valves have not formed properly, the other parts of the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to heart failure.
The irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. The irregular rhythms of the heart can cause the heart to beat too fast, creating extra work for the heart. A slow heartbeat, it can also lead to heart failure. The treatment of an irregular heart rhythm can reverse heart failure in some people.
Other diseases. Long-term illnesses can contribute to chronic heart failure. Examples are diabetes, HIV infection, an overactive or underactive thyroid, or an accumulation of iron or protein.

Coronary artery disease and heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. The disease results from the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. Deposits narrow the arteries. This reduces the blood flow and can cause a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs suddenly when an artery that feeds the heart is completely blocked. The damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack can mean that the heart can't pump as well as it should.

The causes of sudden heart failure also include:

Allergic reactions.
Any disease that affects the entire body.
Blood clots in the lungs.
In severe infections.
Use of certain medications.
Viruses that attack the heart muscle.

Heart failure usually begins with the lower left chamber of the heart called the left ventricle. This is the heart's main pumping chamber. But heart failure can also affect the right side. The lower right part of the heart of the camera is called the right ventricle. Sometimes, the heart failure affecting both sides of the heart.

Risk factors

Diseases and conditions that increase the risk of heart failure include:

Disease of the coronary artery. The narrowing of the arteries can limit the heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood, resulting in weakness of the heart muscle.
Heart attack. A heart attack is a form of coronary artery disease that occurs suddenly. The damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, it may mean that the heart can't pump as well as it should.
Heart valve disease. Have a heart valve that is not functioning properly, it increases the risk of heart failure.
The high blood pressure. The heart works harder than it has to when the blood pressure is high.
Irregular heart beats. Irregular heartbeat, especially if they are very frequent and fast, can weaken the heart muscle and cause heart failure.
Congenital heart disease. Some of the people who develop heart failure were born with the changes in the structure or function of your heart.
Diabetes. Having diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Sleep apnea. This inability to breathe properly during sleep results in low blood oxygen levels and an increase in the risk of irregular heartbeat. These things can lead to a weakened heart.
Obesity. People who are obese have a higher risk of developing heart failure.
Viral infections. Some viral infections can cause damage to the heart muscle.

Medicines that may increase the risk of heart failure include:

Some medications for diabetes. The diabetes medication rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos) have been found to increase the risk of heart failure in some people. Do not stop taking these medicines without first talking with your health care professional.
Some other medications. Other medications that may lead to heart failure or heart disease include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids), and some medications used to treat high blood pressure, cancer, blood disorders, irregular heartbeats, heart, nervous system diseases, mental health disorders, lung, and urinary diseases and infections.

Other risk factors for heart failure include:

Aging. The heart of the working capacity decreases with age, even in healthy people.
The consumption of Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
Smoking or using tobacco. If you smoke, stop smoking. The use of tobacco increases the risk of heart disease and heart failure.

Complications

If you have heart failure, it is important to have regular health screenings, even if the symptoms improve. Your health care professional may examine and perform tests to verify that there are no complications.

The complications of heart failure depend on your age, general health condition and the severity of the heart disease. They may include:

Kidney damage or failure. Heart failure can reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys. This is not, this can cause kidney failure. The kidney damage, heart failure may require dialysis for the treatment.
Other heart changes. Heart failure can cause changes in the heart's size and function. These changes can damage the heart valves and cause irregular heart beats.
Damage in the liver. Heart failure can cause fluid buildup, which puts too much pressure on the liver. This fluid backup can lead to scarring, which makes it more difficult for the liver to function properly.
The sudden cardiac death. If the heart is weak, there is a risk of dying suddenly due to a dangerous irregular heart rhythm.

Prevention

One way to prevent heart failure is the treatment and control conditions that can cause. These conditions include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Some of the lifestyle changes are used to control the heart failure also can help to prevent this. Try these tips for a healthy heart:

Do not smoke.
Get plenty of exercise.
Eat healthy foods.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.
Take medications as directed.

Diagnosis

To diagnose heart failure, your healthcare provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your health care professional checks to see if you have risk factors for heart failure, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or diabetes.

Your care provider to listen to your lungs and heart with a device called a stethoscope. A whooshing sound called a bruit may be heard when listening to your heart. Your health care professional may be seen in the veins in your neck and check for swelling in the legs and the belly.

Tests

Tests that may be done to diagnose heart failure may include:

Blood tests. The blood tests can help diagnose diseases that may affect the heart. Blood tests can also search for a specific protein made by the heart and the blood vessels. In heart failure, the level of this protein increases.
X-ray of the chest. The X-ray pictures can show the condition of the lungs and the heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick and painless test records the electrical signals in the heart. We can show you how fast or how slow the heart is beating.
The echocardiogram. Sound waves create images of the beating heart. This test shows the size and structure of the heart and the heart valves and the flow of blood through the heart.
The ejection fraction. The ejection fraction is a measure of the percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it is pressed. This measurement is taken during an echocardiogram. The result helps to classify heart failure, and treatment guidelines. An ejection fraction of 50% or more is considered ideal. But you can still have heart failure, even if the number is considered ideal.
Exercise tests or stress tests. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart is controlled. Exercise tests can show how the heart responds to physical activity. If you can't do the exercise, you may be given medications.
Computed tomography of the heart. It is also called cardiac computed tomography, this test uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the heart.
Heart magnetic resonance imaging, also called a cardiac mri. This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the heart.
The coronary angiography. This test facilitates the location of the blockage in the arteries of the heart. The health care provider inserts a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist. It is then guided to the heart. Contrast dye flows through the catheter into the arteries in the heart. The dye helps the arteries to show up more clearly on X-ray images and video.
The biopsy of the myocardium. In this test, a health care professional removes the very small pieces of the muscles of the heart to the test. This test may be done to diagnose certain types of heart muscle diseases that cause heart failure.

During or after the test for heart failure, your healthcare provider can tell you that the stage of the disease. Staging helps to determine the most appropriate treatment. There are two main ways to determine the stage of the heart failure:

The New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification

This system of groups of heart failure in four categories by number. You can see the Roman numerals are used for these category names.

The class 1 of heart failure. There are No symptoms of heart failure.
Class 2 heart failure. Everyday activities can be done without difficulty. But the exertion causes shortness of breath or fatigue.
Class 3 heart failure. It is difficult to complete everyday activities.
Class 4 heart failure. The shortness of breath occurs even at rest. This category includes the majority of severe heart failure.

American college of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification

This stage-based classification system uses the letters a to D. includes a category for people who are at risk of developing heart failure.

Phase A. There are several risk factors for heart failure, but there are no signs or symptoms.
Stage B. There are diseases of the heart, but there are no signs or symptoms of heart failure.
Phase C. There are diseases of the heart and signs or symptoms of heart failure.
Stage D Advanced heart failure, requires specialized treatment.

Health professionals often use the classification systems together to help you decide the most suitable treatment options. Your health care professional can help interpret your stage.

Treatment

Treatment of heart failure can depend on the cause. The treatment often includes lifestyle changes and medications. If another health condition that is causing the heart to fail, the treatment can reverse the heart failure.

Some people with heart failure need surgery to open blocked arteries, or place a device to help the heart work better.

With treatment, the symptoms of heart failure can improve.

Drugs

A combination of drugs that can be used to treat heart failure. The specific drugs used depend on the cause of the heart failure and symptoms. Medications for the treatment of heart failure include:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medicines relax the blood vessels to reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow and decrease the strain on the heart. Examples include enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned), lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) and captopril.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (arbs). These drugs have many of the same benefits of ACE inhibitors. They can be a good option for people who do not tolerate ACE inhibitors. They include losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), and candesartan (Atacand).
The receptors of angiotensin more neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs). This medication is used two blood pressure medications for the treatment of heart failure. The combination of the medicine is sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto). It is used to treat some people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. You can help prevent the need of a stay in the hospital, in the people.
Beta-blockers. These drugs slow the heart rate and blood pressure. Reduce the symptoms of heart failure and help the heart work better. If you have heart failure, beta-blockers may help you live longer. Examples include carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL, Kapspargo Sprinkle) and bisoprolol.
Diuretics.Often called water pills, these medications can make you urinate more often. This helps to prevent the buildup of fluid in your body. Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix, Furoscix), the reduction of fluid in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Some diuretics cause the body to lose potassium and magnesium. Your health care professional may recommend supplements for the treatment of this. If you are taking a diuretic, you may have blood tests to determine their level of potassium and magnesium.
Potassium-sparing diuretics.Also called aldosterone antagonists, these drugs include spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir) and eplerenone (Inspra). They can help people with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (Hfref) are living longer. Unlike some other diuretics, these medicines may increase the level of potassium in the blood to dangerous levels. Talk with your health care professional about your diet and intake of potassium.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medicines help to reduce the blood sugar. They are often prescribed with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. But they are also one of the first treatments for heart failure. This is because several studies showed that the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death in people with certain types of heart failure, even if they do not have diabetes. These medications include canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance).
Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication, also called digitalis, helps the heart to squeeze better to pump the blood. It also tends to slow the heart rate. Digoxin reduces the symptoms of heart failure in people with Hfref. You may be more likely to be given to a person with a heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial fibrillation.
Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil). This combination of medications that help relax the blood vessels. You can add to your treatment plan if you have severe heart failure symptoms and ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers did not help.
Vericiguat (Verquvo). This medication for chronic heart failure is taken once a day by mouth. It is a type of medicine called an oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. In studies, people with high risk of heart failure who took this drug had a lower number of hospitalizations for heart failure, and heart disease-related deaths in comparison with those who received a placebo.
Positive inotropes. These drugs may be administered by IV to people with certain kinds of severe heart failure, who are in the hospital. Positive inotropes may help the heart to pump blood better, and maintain the blood pressure. The long-term use of these drugs has been linked to an increased risk of death in some people. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of these medications.
Other medications. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications to treat specific symptoms. For example, some people may get the nitrates for chest pain, statins to lower cholesterol or blood thinners to help prevent blood clots.

Diuretics. Often called water pills, these medications can make you urinate more often. This helps to prevent the buildup of fluid in your body. Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix, Furoscix), the reduction of fluid in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Some diuretics cause the body to lose potassium and magnesium. Your health care professional may recommend supplements for the treatment of this. If you are taking a diuretic, you may have blood tests to determine their level of potassium and magnesium.

Potassium-sparing diuretics. Also called aldosterone antagonists, these drugs include spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir) and eplerenone (Inspra). They can help people with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (Hfref) are living longer.

Unlike some other diuretics, these medicines may increase the level of potassium in the blood to dangerous levels. Talk with your health care professional about your diet and intake of potassium.

Your health care professional, it may be necessary to change the dose of your medicine with frequency. This is more common when you just started a new medication or when your condition is getting worse.

It is possible that you need to stay in the hospital if you have a flare-up of symptoms of heart failure. While in the hospital, you may receive:

Medications to relieve their symptoms.
More medications to help your heart pump better.
Oxygen through a mask or small tubes that are placed in the nose.

If you have severe heart failure, you may need to use supplemental oxygen for a long time.

Surgery or other procedures

Surgery or other treatments to put a heart device may be recommended to treat the condition that led to heart failure.

Surgery or other procedures for heart failure may include:

Coronary artery bypass surgery. You may need this surgery if severely clogged arteries are the cause of your heart failure. The surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm, or chest, and is connected above and below the blockage of arteries in the heart. The new pathway improves the flow of blood to the heart muscle.
Heart valve repair or replacement.If a heart valve is damaged cause of heart failure, your health care professional may recommend to the repair or replacement of the valve. There are many different types of heart valve surgery. The type depends on the cause of the disease of the heart valve. Heart valve repair or replacement may be done as open-heart surgery or minimally invasive.
An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).An ICD is used to prevent the complications of heart failure. It is not a treatment for heart failure itself. An ICD is a device similar to a pacemaker. It is implanted under the skin in the chest with wires leading through the veins and in the heart. The ICD checks the heartbeat. If the heart begins to beat at a pace dangerous, the ICD try to correct the rhythm. If the heart stops, the device blows back into a regular rhythm. An ICD may also function as a pacemaker and the speed of a slow heartbeat.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Also called biventricular pacing, CRT is a treatment for heart failure in people that the lower chambers of the heart is not pumping in sync with each other. A device that sends electrical signals to the lower chambers of the heart. The signals tell the cameras to squeeze in a coordinated manner. This improves the pumping of blood out of the heart. CRT can be used with an ICD.
Ventricular assist device (VAD).A lack of vitamin a that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body. It is also called a mechanical circulatory support device. Despite a lack of vitamin a can be placed in one or both of the lower chambers of the heart, usually placed in the bottom left. Your health care professional may recommend a VAD if you are waiting for a heart transplant. Sometimes, a lack of vitamin a is used as a permanent treatment for people who have heart failure, but they are not good candidates for a heart transplant.
Heart transplant.Some people have severe heart failure, surgery or medications don't help. These people may need to have their hearts replaced with a healthy donor heart. A heart transplant is not the right treatment for everyone. A team of health professionals at a transplant center to determine if the procedure can be safe and beneficial for you.

Heart valve repair or replacement. If a heart valve is damaged cause of heart failure, your health care professional may recommend to the repair or replacement of the valve. There are many different types of heart valve surgery. The type depends on the cause of the disease of the heart valve.

Heart valve repair or replacement may be done as open-heart surgery or minimally invasive.

An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is used to prevent the complications of heart failure. It is not a treatment for heart failure itself. An ICD is a device similar to a pacemaker. It is implanted under the skin in the chest with wires leading through the veins and in the heart.

The ICD checks the heartbeat. If the heart begins to beat at a pace dangerous, the ICD try to correct the rhythm. If the heart stops, the device blows back into a regular rhythm. An ICD may also function as a pacemaker and the speed of a slow heartbeat.

Ventricular assist device (VAD). A lack of vitamin a that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body. It is also called a mechanical circulatory support device. Despite a lack of vitamin a can be placed in one or both of the lower chambers of the heart, usually placed in the bottom left.

Your health care professional may recommend a VAD if you are waiting for a heart transplant. Sometimes, a lack of vitamin a is used as a permanent treatment for people who have heart failure, but they are not good candidates for a heart transplant.

Heart transplant. Some people have severe heart failure, surgery or medications don't help. These people may need to have their hearts replaced with a healthy donor heart.

A heart transplant is not the right treatment for everyone. A team of health professionals at a transplant center to determine if the procedure can be safe and beneficial for you.

Symptom of care and end-of-life

Your health care professional may recommend special care to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. This is called palliative care. Any person who has a serious or life-threatening illness can benefit from this type of care. Can be used to treat the symptoms of the disease or to alleviate the side effects of treatment.

In some people with heart failure, medications that don't work and a heart transplant or device is not an option. If this occurs, a special end-of-life care may be recommended. This is called palliative care.

Hospice care allows family and friends — with the help of nurses, social workers and trained volunteers to care for and comfort a loved one. Hospice care is available in your home or in nursing homes and assisted living centers.

Hospice care provides the following for those who are sick and their loved ones:

Emotional support.
Psychological support.
Spiritual support.

Although it can be difficult, talking about end of life issues with your family and medical team is important. Part of this discussion is likely to involve an advance care directive. This is a general term for spoken and written instructions that you give about your medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself.

If you have an ICD, an important consideration to discuss with your family and health care team is if the ice should be turned off so that they can't deliver shocks to make your heart beating.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Some people with heart failure may be forced to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements. A few investigations demonstrate that supplements can help reduce the need for hospital stays.

Making certain lifestyle changes often improve the symptoms of heart failure. They may even stop the problem from getting worse.

The following changes are recommended to improve the health of the heart:

Do not smoke. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Reduces the levels of oxygen in the blood and accelerates the heartbeat. Quitting smoking is the best way of reducing the risk of heart disease. If you need help to stop smoking, talk with your health care professional. You may not be considered for a heart transplant if you continue to smoke. Also avoid second-hand smoke.
Verification of the legs, ankles and feet for swelling. Do this every day. Call your health care professional if swelling gets worse.
Weigh yourself. Ask your healthcare provider how often you should do it. The weight gain may mean that your body is retaining fluid. You may need a change in treatment. Call your care provider if you gain 5 pounds (2.3 kg) or more, within a couple of days.
Control the weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Ask your healthcare professional what is the ideal weight for you. Even losing a small amount of weight can help to improve the health of the heart.
Eat a healthy diet. Try to eat a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats or trans fats.
Limit salt.The excess of salt, also called sodium can cause your body to retain water. This is called water retention. Makes the heart work harder. Symptoms include shortness of breath and swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Ask your health care professional if you should continue without salt or low-salt diet. Remember that salt has already been added to prepared foods.
Limit the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with certain medications. It also weakens the heart and increases the risk of irregular heartbeat. If you have heart failure, your healthcare provider may recommend that you do not drink alcohol.
Ask how much liquid you can drink. If you have severe heart failure, your health care professional may suggest that you limit the amount of fluids you drink.
Stay as active as possible. Moderate exercise helps keep your heart and body healthy. But be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about an exercise program that is right for you. If you have heart failure, your health care professional may suggest a walking program or a program of cardiac rehabilitation at the local hospital.
Reduce stress.Strong emotions such as anxiety or anger can cause the heart to beat faster. The breathing becomes more heavy and the blood pressure rises. These changes can make heart failure worse. Find ways to reduce emotional stress. The practice of mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some of the ways to reduce and manage stress.
Sleep better. Heart failure can cause shortness of breath, especially when lying down. Try sleeping with your head propped up by a pillow, or a wedge. If you snore or have had another dream challenges, make sure to get tested for sleep apnea.
Vaccination is recommended. Ask your healthcare provider about the flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines.

Limit salt. The excess of salt, also called sodium can cause your body to retain water. This is called water retention. Makes the heart work harder. Symptoms include shortness of breath and swelling of the legs, ankles and feet.

Ask your health care professional if you should continue without salt or low-salt diet. Remember that salt has already been added to prepared foods.

Reduce stress. Strong emotions such as anxiety or anger can cause the heart to beat faster. The breathing becomes more heavy and the blood pressure rises. These changes can make heart failure worse.

Find ways to reduce emotional stress. The practice of mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some of the ways to reduce and manage stress.

Coping and support

The management of heart failure requires open communication between you and your health care professional. Be honest about the challenges relating to their diet, lifestyle and the use of the drug. Pay attention to your body and how you feel. Tell your health care professional when you feel better or worse. This helps your health care professional knows which treatment will work best for you.

These steps can help you manage the heart failure:

Take medications as directed. If the side effects or the costs are a problem, ask your health care provider about options. Do not stop taking your medication without first consulting with a health care professional. Also, go to all your doctor appointments. If you miss one, ask your healthcare professional how and when to change the hour.
Use with caution with other medications and supplements. Some medicines available without a prescription to treat the pain and inflammation can worsen heart failure. They include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Some diet pills and supplements can also be dangerous if you take medication for heart failure. Always tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription.
Weigh yourself every day. Do this when you wake up in the morning, after breakfast and after peeing. Write your weight down in a notebook. Take notes on their medical checks. A weight gain may be a sign of fluid buildup.
Check your blood pressure at home. Write down your numbers and take them with you to your health checkups. This helps your care provider know if the treatment is working or if your condition is getting worse. Home blood pressure monitors are available at the local stores, and pharmacies.
To know how to communicate with your health care professional. Keep your professional care of the telephone number, the telephone number of the hospital and the address of the hospital or clinic in the hand. You'll want easy access to this information if you have health questions or if you need to go to the hospital.
Ask for help. Stick with the treatment and lifestyle changes can be a challenge. This can help to ask your friends and family to help you meet your goals.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are concerned about your risk of heart failure, make an appointment with your health care professional. You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart disease. This type of doctor is called a cardiologist. If the heart failure is detected early, treatment can be easier and more effective.

Appointments can be brief. Because there's often a lot to discuss, it is a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare.

What you can do

Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a while before some of the tests.
Write down the symptoms you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to heart failure.
Write down key personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes. Find out if someone in your family has had heart failure. Some diseases of the heart that causes heart failure in the family. Knowing as much as you can about your family history may be useful.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking. Include the dose. Take this list with you to all exams of health.
Bring someone along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
Write questions to ask their health professional. For example, if you have heart failure, you can ask if it is safe for you and your partner to have sex. Most people with heart failure can continue to have sexual relations once the symptoms are under control. If you have questions, talk with your health care professional.

Your time with your health care professional is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you to make the most of your time together. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For heart failure, some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
What kind of proof do you need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
What treatments are available? What do I recommend?
What foods should I eat or avoid?
What is an appropriate level of physical activity?
I have activity restrictions?
How often should I be screened for changes in my state?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
Is there a generic available for the medication you are prescribing for me?
Do my family members need to be screened for conditions that may cause heart failure?
Is there any information that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care professional is likely that many questions. Be prepared to answer them you can save your time to go through all the information that you want to spend more time. Your health care professional may ask:

When did you first notice your symptoms?
Do your symptoms occur all the time, or come and go?
How severe are the symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
Does anything make your symptoms worse?

What you can do in the meantime

It is never too early to make changes healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, cutting down on salt and eating healthy food. These changes can help prevent heart failure from the start or worsening.