Living with Heart Failure
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE?
YOUR HEART STILL WORKS—JUST NOT AS WELL
A heart with heart failure hasn’t stopped working—its shape has changed and it is not pumping as well as it should be. Your body depends on your heart’s pumping action to deliver blood to your organs and keep them working properly.
FLUID BUILDUP FROM HEART FAILURE
Heart failure can cause problems in other organs, too—not just the heart. Heart failure can stop the kidneys from removing extra water from your body as they should. This fluid buildup can cause your arms and legs to swell and make breathing difficult.
To treat fluid buildup, your healthcare provider may give you oral diuretics, also known as water pills. Unfortunately, many people have fluid buildup that can’t be managed by water pills alone, even when the amount is doubled. Some people then need to receive intravenous (IV) diuresis, most commonly in a clinic or at the hospital. Signs of fluid buildup may be seen days before IV diuresis is needed.
FLUID BUILDUP FROM HEART FAILURE
Heart failure can cause problems in other organs, too—not just the heart. Heart failure can stop the kidneys from removing extra water from your body as they should. This fluid buildup can cause your arms and legs to swell and make breathing difficult.
To treat fluid buildup, your healthcare provider may give you oral diuretics, also known as water pills. Unfortunately, many people have fluid buildup that can’t be managed by water pills alone, even when the amount is doubled. Some people then need to receive intravenous (IV) diuresis, most commonly in a clinic or at the hospital. Signs of fluid buildup may be seen days before IV diuresis is needed.
STICK TO YOUR CARE PLAN
Your healthcare team will work with you to create the best plan for managing your heart failure. Follow this plan closely and do not miss your follow-up doctor visits.
WATCH FOR NEW OR CHANGED SYMPTOMS
Make sure to note any new heart failure symptoms—or changes to ones you already have—and let your healthcare provider know right away. Some of these symptoms are shortness of breath, increased heart rate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your lower legs or feet, and increased blood pressure.
GET SOME EXERCISE
Regular exercise is good for all of us, but especially important for people with heart failure. Work with your healthcare team to determine what kinds of physical activities are safe for you.
BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR DIET
Try your best to eat a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium, added sugars, and trans fats.
LOWER YOUR STRESS
Meditation, getting exercise and keeping up with activities you enjoy are all ways to help manage your stress levels.Suffering from heart failure fluid buildup?
FUROSCIX may help.
Learn More