How Can I Lessen My Heart Failure Symptoms?

Why is your heart muscle doesn't pump blood very well?

Heart failure

Heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure or congestive cardiac failure. This happens when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs. Signs and symptoms of heart failure commonly include shortness of breath, excessive tiredness, and leg swelling.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen.

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Symptoms

Heart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or your condition may start suddenly (acute).

Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Reduced ability to exercise
Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
Increased need to urinate at night
Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
Lack of appetite and nausea
Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
Chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack

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When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you think you might be experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of heart failure. Seek emergency treatment if you experience any of the following:

Chest pain
Fainting or severe weakness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting
Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus

Maintain fluid balance

Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of the amount of fluids you drink or eat and how often you go to the bathroom. Remember, the more fluid you carry in your blood vessels, the harder your heart must work to pump excess fluid through your body. Limiting your fluid intake to less than two liters per day will help decrease the workload of your heart and prevent symptoms from recurring.

Monitor your symptoms

Call your doctor if new symptoms occur or if your symptoms worsen. Do not wait for your symptoms to become so severe that you need to seek emergency treatment.

Take your medications as prescribed

Drugs are used to improve your heart's ability to pump blood, decrease stress on your heart, decrease the progression of heart failure, and prevent fluid retention. Many heart failure drugs are used to decrease the release of harmful hormones. These drugs will cause your blood vessels to dilate or relax (thereby lowering your blood pressure).

Monitor your weight and lose weight if needed

Learn what your "dry" or "ideal" weight is. This is your weight without extra fluid. Your goal is to keep your weight within four pounds of your dry weight. Weigh yourself at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, in similar clothing, after urinating but before eating, and on the same scale. Record your weight in a diary or calendar. If you gain 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week, call your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust your medications.