Heart failure
Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should; it does not mean the heart has stopped. It often develops after a heart attack, long-standing high blood pressure, rheumatic heart disease or other valve problems. It is a long-term condition, but treatment helps people feel better and live longer.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat
- Waking at night breathless and needing to sit up
- Swollen ankles, legs or belly
- Tiredness and weakness
- Quick weight gain from fluid build-up
- A cough that does not go away; frothy or pink phlegm in severe cases
Causes
- Coronary heart disease and previous heart attack
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Rheumatic heart disease and other valve disease
- Diseases of the heart muscle, including some infections
- Irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation
- Severe anaemia, thyroid disease or alcohol
Prevention
- Control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
- Do not smoke or use naswar, and avoid alcohol
- Treat sore throats with fever in children properly to prevent rheumatic heart disease
- Get heart rhythm problems and anaemia treated
- Keep a healthy weight and stay active
Treatment
- Medicines prescribed by a doctor, including water tablets (diuretics) to remove extra fluid and other heart medicines
- Less salt in food, and following the fluid advice your doctor gives
- Weigh yourself every morning; call your doctor if you gain 2 kg in 2 to 3 days
- Stay as active as your doctor advises
- Avoid painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, which can make heart failure worse
- Do not start or stop prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Why should I weigh myself every day?
A quick rise in weight usually means fluid is building up in the body, often before you feel worse. Spotting it early lets your doctor adjust your medicines and can prevent a hospital stay.
Does heart failure mean my heart will stop soon?
No. Heart failure means the heart is weaker than normal, not that it has stopped. Many people live for years with good treatment and care.