Heart Failure Management

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a serious health condition in which your heart cannot pump blood effectively. A progressive condition, heart failure can worsen over time, eventually making it hard to perform routine daily tasks with ease. 

Some of the symptoms of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Becoming easily fatigued
• Weight gain
• Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat
• Frequent need to urinate during the night
• Leg weakness while active

It’s important to note that heart failure often creates no symptoms in the early stages. 

What is heart failure management?

Because heart failure is a progressive condition, treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and improving daily quality of life. Heart failure management strives to create the best possible treatment path for your current set of needs and is adaptable to meet changing symptoms and challenges. 

Medication will likely play a role in heart failure management. Some drugs relax your blood vessels to improve blood pressure, while others slow your heart rate, improve blood flow, and enhance your heart function. There are also medications that can help prevent fluid from accumulating in your body, including within your lungs. 

Surgical intervention is also a common treatment for heart failure. Bypass surgery creates a new pathway for blood flow, and heart valve repair or replacement can address valve issues. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators help monitor heart rhythm and restore normal heartbeats, and ventricular assist devices help move blood from your heart to your body. 

What role do lifestyle modifications play in heart failure management?

Embracing heart-healthy habits can go a long way toward improving your experience with heart failure. Your practitioner works with you to determine which areas are best suited for improvement. 

Boosting nutrition is a great place to begin. Replacing highly processed foods with whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps fuel your body without causing harm. Getting enough exercise is also essential, allowing your heart to transport blood effectively throughout your body. 

If you’re a smoker, finding a way to quit for good will do wonders for your overall health and wellness. It’s also essential to find a way to manage stress and ensure you’re getting enough rest each day. 

When you’re ready to explore heart failure management in greater detail, call or click to schedule a visit today.