Congestive heart failure
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What is heart failure?
This is a condition in which the heart does not pump well. This means that the heart cannot move blood throughout the body as well as usual. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, and the organs do not get as much blood as they need. This can lead to symptoms.
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?
You might have no symptoms at first. But as the condition gets worse, it can cause:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Trouble breathing – This 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 that you might have heart failure, they will do an exam. They might also order tests. These can include:
Еlеϲtrοϲarԁiοgrаm ("ЕCG")
This measures the electrical activity in the 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.
A blood test called "brain natriuretic peptide" ("BNP") or "N-terminal pro-BNP" ("NT-proBNP")
The BNP or NT-proBNP level is high in people with heart failure.
Chest X-ray
This can show if there is fluid in the lungs. It also shows the general shape of the heart and large blood vessels in the chest.
Echocardiogram
This uses sound waves to create pictures of the 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.
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 cath")
The doctor puts a thin tube into a blood vessel in the neck, leg, or arm. Then, they move the tube up to the heart. When the tube is in the heart or blood vessels, the doctor takes measurements. They might also put a dye that shows up on an X-ray into the tube. This can show if any arteries in the heart are narrowed or blocked. This part of the test is called "coronary angiography."
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, even if you feel well. They can help reduce symptoms and help you live longer. They can also reduce the chances that you will need to go to the hospital, have a heart attack, or die. That’s why they are so important. But they will only work if you take them as your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor if you can’t afford your medicines. They might have ways to help.
- Tell your doctor if your medicines cause side effects or other problems. They might be able to switch you to another medicine or lower your dose so you do not have that problem.
Other treatments for heart failure can include:
- Devices to help the heart pump with more force or to beat at the right rhythm.
- Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart or replace the heart.
- Exercise training to help prevent the condition from getting worse.
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:
- 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. 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 to change your medicines.
- Eat less 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 that 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 have excess body weight – If you have excess body weight, 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 – Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is too much.
- Be active – Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you. Your doctor will tell you 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 (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve) can make heart failure worse.