Heart failure (HF) affects nearly 6 million Americans, and is
the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. Heart failure
means that the ticker works less efficiently than normal. Blood- due to various
possible causes- moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and
pressure in the heart increases. The ticker, as a result cannot pump enough
oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs. The heart’s chambers may respond
by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body or by becoming thick
and stiffened, which helps to keep the blood moving, but the heart muscle walls
may eventually weaken and become unable to pump as efficiently. The kidneys, as
a result may respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. The
body becomes congested if fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet,
lungs, or other organs, and congestive heart failure (CHF) is the term used to
describe condition.
Types of HF include systolic dysfunction or systolic heart
failure and diastolic dysfunction or diastolic heart failure. You may not have
any symptoms of HF, or the symptoms may be mild to severe. Symptoms can be
constant or can come and go, and can include congested lungs, fluid and water
retention, rapid or irregular heartbeats, and dizziness, fatigue and weakness.
Tips to
prevent heart failure from worsening:
Limit Salt
(Sodium) Intake- Sodium is found naturally in many foods we eat, and
is also added for flavoring or to make food last longer. You’ll have less fluid
retention, less swelling and breathe easier if you follow a low-sodium diet.
Maintain
Fluid Balance- Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep a record of
the amount of fluids you drink or eat and how often you go to the bathroom. It
should be noted that the more fluid you carry in your blood vessels, the harder
your ticker must work to pump excess fluid through your body. So, decrease
the workload of your ticker and prevent symptoms from recurring by limiting
your fluid intake to less than 2 liters per day.
Keep Your
Blood Pressure In Check- The release of hormones in HF causes the blood vessels
to constrict or tighten, and the ticker must work hard to pump blood through
the constricted vessels. So, keep your blood pressure controlled so that your
ticker can pump more effectively without extra stress.
Monitor
Your Own Symptoms- Weigh yourself daily to check for changes in your
fluid status and check for swelling. Call your doctor right away if you have
unexplained weight gain or if you have increased swelling. Also, call your
doctor if new symptoms occur or if your symptoms worsen. Do not delay and wait
for your symptoms to become so severe that you need to seek emergency
treatment.
Take Your
Medications Exactly As Prescribed- Medications are used to improve
your ticker’s ability to pump blood, decrease stress on your heart, decrease
the progression of HF, and prevent fluid retention. Many heart failure drugs
are used to decrease the release of harmful hormones, which will cause
your blood vessels to dilate or relax (thereby lowering your blood pressure).
Schedule
And Keep Regular Doctor Appointments- Your doctors, during follow-up
visits will make sure you are staying healthy and that your HF isn’t worsening.
Write down questions, if you have any and bring them to your appointment. For
urgent questions, call your doctor right away. Apart from notifying all your
doctors about your HF, medications, and any restrictions, also check with your
cardiologist about any new medications prescribed by another doctor. Keep
good records and carry them with you to each doctor visit.
Ways to
prevent further heart damage:
1. Quit
smoking or stop chewing tobacco
2. Avoid
alcohol
3. Reach and
maintain a healthy body weight
4. Exercise
regularly
5. Control
high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes
6. To treat
your HF, have surgery or other procedures as recommended
Medications
to avoid if you have heart failure:
There are different types of medications that are best
avoided in those with heart failure including some antiarrhythmic agents, most
calcium channel blockers, some nutritional supplements like salt substitutes
and growth hormone therapies, antacids that contain sodium, decongestants,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Discuss with your doctor if you are
taking any of these medications.
It is essential that you know the names of your medications,
what they are used for, and how often and at what times you take them. Keep a
list of your medications and carry them with you to each of your doctor visits.
Never stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor. Your
medications decrease the work of your heart so that it can pump more
effectively even if you have no symptoms.
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