Coping with Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when damage is done to the heart muscle. This damage is often caused by a heart attack, drinking too much alcohol or a disease of the heart called cardiomyopathy. In some cases, the cause of heart failure is unknown. Further ways in which heart failure occurs is through an extra workload that is placed on the heart over the years. This can include high blood pressure (hypertension), thyroid gland disease or a heart rate that is too fast, slow or irregular.

Symptoms to look out for

The most common symptoms of heart failure include severe tiredness, breathlessness, or swelling of the ankles or feet. These symptoms can develop after a heart attack, or more slowly over weeks or months, so they may not be so noticeable at first.

Severe tiredness

A very common complaint from heart failure sufferers is a loss of energy, and tiredness either at rest or even after only a small amount of physical activity. The tiredness experienced can be quite extreme, making it very difficult to carry on as usual. This tiredness is due to a reduced blood flow to the exercising muscles and could be an early indication of heart failure.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is another common symptom of heart failure. The failure of the left heart to pump blood into the arteries results in what is known as 'back pressure' in the circulation. This can then cause fluid to build up in the air spaces of the lungs. This is most likely to occur when a person is active, or even lying down flat in bed. Breathlessness can make it hard for a person to sleep, by waking up at night and requiring fresh air.

Swelling of the ankles and feet

People with heart failure often suffer from oedema, also known as edema, or swelling, in the ankles and feet. This swelling may also extend into their legs, thighs, groin and abdomen. The swelling is due to the body holding water and salt, a common occurrence among people who have heart failure. However, just because you may be experiencing swelling, this does not conclusively mean that you have heart failure. It can occur in people who are obese or as a result of bronchitis or emphysema.

Ways to help yourself

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help effectively treat heart failure and improve your future outlook. This involves a combination of lifestyle changes that you can make as well as medical treatment. Changes in the diet are necessary. Reduce the total amount of fat in your diet, eat more fruit and vegetables and cut down on salt. If you are overweight, aim to lose some weight slowly, about a pound each week. You do not want to overdo it and strain your heart. If you currently smoke, it would be wise to quit. Physical exercise will help too. Consult your doctor first. Gentle aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming are good forms of exercise if you are suffering from heart failure.

Drugs to treat heart failure

Heart failure can usually be successfully treated with drugs. They include diuretics (water tablets) to increase the amount of water and salt passed from the kidneys into the urine. These are a great way of reducing swelling and breathlessness. The three main types of diuretic are thiazide diuretics, such as bendrofluazide, loop diuretics such as frusemide, and potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone.

Quality of life

People who suffer from tiredness and breathlessness as a result of heart failure can find it difficult to lead a normal life. In addition to this, some sufferers then become depressed and lose their confidence. Some also experience pain. It is important to let your doctor know of these symptoms so that he or she can then make adjustments to your treatment to help improve your quality of life. There are many other ways to combat these symptoms. Specialists in palliative care may be able to improve the symptoms and also provide help and support for your family as well. Perhaps joining a support group would help. Talking to others who are going through the same as you are can be a real help. Remember, too, that you can do a lot to help improve your situation by making needed lifestyle changes and by co-operating with your doctor in taking the required medication. Do not let heart failure rule your life. With the help of your family try to take charge and do all you can to lessen the symptoms you are going through and you will notice that your quality of life improves.

Source:

http://www.bhf.org.uk