Heart Failure
Heart failure ensues when the heart muscle fails to pump blood effectively. Consequently, blood may accumulate, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, resulting in breathlessness. Certain cardiac conditions progressively render the heart too feeble or rigid to adequately pump and fill with blood. Such conditions encompass narrowed heart arteries and hypertension.
Effective treatment can ameliorate heart failure symptoms and extend life expectancy for some individuals. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, exercise, reduced salt intake, and stress management, can enhance quality of life.
Individuals experiencing left-sided heart failure may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Fatigue (feeling extremely tired even after resting)
- General weakness
- Bluish tint to fingers and lips
- Sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
- Inability to sleep in a flat position
Those with right-sided heart failure might also experience:
- Nausea and a decrease in appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and neck veins
- Frequent urination
- Weight gain
Your healthcare provider may suggest these heart-healthy lifestyle adjustments, either individually or as part of a cardiac rehabilitation program:
- Reduce your sodium (salt) intake to minimize fluid retention. For tips on reducing salt and sodium, refer to our fact sheet.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can strain your heart.
- Engage in regular physical activity. Consult your healthcare provider about the appropriate level of activity for you, considering your daily life, work, leisure activities, sexual activity, and exercise regimen. Depending on the severity of your heart failure, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation might be recommended to help improve your fitness and decrease your risk factors.
- Quit smoking. For more information, see our guide on Smoking and Your Heart.
- Limit or avoid alcohol. Your provider may advise you to reduce or cease alcohol consumption. Resources and support are available through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Alcohol Treatment Navigator.
- Manage other risk factors. Addressing contributing conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and anemia can enhance heart health.
- Manage stress effectively. Techniques for stress management and problem-solving can benefit both your mental and physical health. Consider relaxation techniques, counseling, or joining a support group to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Ensure quality sleep. Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are prevalent among those with heart failure. Treating sleep disorders can improve your overall sleep quality and potentially alleviate symptoms of heart failure.